Flamengo’s Lucas Paquetá shone in the Libertadores Round of 16, being voted ‘Hero of the Week’ and earning a place in the Conmebol’s ideal lineup for the round.
On Monday (17), Conmebol released its official lineup for the best players from the first leg of the Copa LibertadoresRound of 16. Amidst closely contested matches that all ended in draws, one player stood out individually, gaining international recognition for his decisive performance.
The main highlight was the recognition of Lucas Paquetá, the Flamengo midfielder, who not only made the ‘Ideal XI’ of the week but was also crowned ‘Hero of the Week’ by the organization itself. His performance was crucial to the result achieved by the Rio-based club.
Rubro-Negro Highlight
Lucas Paquetá’s decisive goal against Cruzeiro, scored at the Mineirão, secured a valuable draw for Flamengo and cemented his status as one of the standout players of the opening knockout round. The young talent’s performance was praised by Conmebol, which highlighted the following on its social media channels:
“He came on and scored for @Flamengo! Lucas Paquetá, the HeroOfTheWeek for the first leg of the Round of 16.”
This individual recognition boosts both the player’s and the club’s morale as they continue their continental campaign.
Team of the Round
The complete first-leg team released by Conmebol reflected the balance of the matches, featuring a representative from each team involved in the draws. In addition to Lucas Paquetá, other Brazilian teams also saw their athletes recognized.
The ideal team was composed of: Sánchez (Coquimbo Unido-CHI), Velázquez (Cerro Porteño-PAR), Ampuero (Católica-CHI), Gustavo Henrique (Corinthians), Ibarra (Rosario-ARG), Eduardo (Mirassol), Tobio Burgos (Estudiantes-ARG), Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo), Arroyo (Cruzeiro), Estrada (LDU-QUI), and Flaco López (Palmeiras). From the opposition side, Arroyo’s goal for Cruzeiro at the Mineirão also earned him a spot.
Upcoming Decisive Clashes
The Copa Libertadores is set to define the quarterfinalists this week with the return legs. Flamengo will host Cruzeiro on Wednesday (19) in a highly anticipated clash at the Maracanã, with both teams fighting for a victory to advance.
The week’s schedule includes other major matchups:
- Tuesday (18): Independiente Rivadavia (ARG) vs. Fluminense (7:00 PM); Universidad Católica vs. Estudiantes (9:30 PM); Deportes Tolima vs. Independiente del Valle (9:30 PM).
- Wednesday (19): Coquimbo Unido vs. Platense (ARG) (7:00 PM); Cerro Porteño (PAR) vs. Palmeiras (7:00 PM); Flamengo vs. Cruzeiro (9:30 PM).
- Thursday (20): LDU vs. Mirassol (7:00 PM); Corinthians vs. Rosario Central (9:30 PM).
Road to the Quarterfinals
The Libertadores bracket sets up a direct clash following the conclusion of the Round of 16. The winner of the Flamengo vs. Cruzeiro tie will face the winner of Deportes Tolima vs. Independiente del Valle. However, due to recent earthquakes in Colombia, the first leg between Tolima and Del Valle was postponed. Consequently, the next opponent for either the Rio or Minas Gerais side will only be known on Tuesday (25).
M360 Team Analysis
For the M360 Team, the team of the round prompted reflections on team representation.
“Flamengo played a great game at the Mineirão and could have had more players in this lineup. As for Paquetá, chosen as the best of the round, I don’t think even he agreed with it. When he won the man-of-the-match trophy, the midfielder hinted that he didn’t feel he deserved it that much. Jokes aside, the Flamengo fans hope that by the end of the round, at least five Rubro-Negros are in this ideal XI. That would mean the team advanced to the Libertadores quarterfinals.”
Lucas Paquetá’s recognition by Conmebol is an indicator of the player’s talent and importance to Flamengo’s system in the Libertadores. With the return legs approaching, the expectation is that the midfielder and the entire squad maintain their high level to secure a spot in the quarterfinals and continue their pursuit of the highly coveted continental title. Paquetá’s performance serves as inspiration for the rest of the squad in the most decisive phase of the competition.
RELATED NEWS
Flamengo: Training session defines lineup for Libertadores, Carrascal dedicates goal to Colombia, and Carlos Alberto gets emotional about Zico
READ MORE
Jardim Leads Unbeaten Flamengo Against Cruzeiro for Libertadores Quarterfinal Spot
READ MORE
Packed Maracanã: Flamengo vs. Cruzeiro tickets sold out for Copa Libertadores showdown
READ MORE
