Del Valle defender predicts a hostile environment and eyes penalty shootout against Flamengo.
Despite the 2-0 defeat in the first leg, the Independiente del Valle (ECU) squad remains resiliently optimistic ahead of the return leg against Flamengo. Confidence in a comeback is palpable, and defender Richard Schunke, one of the team’s leaders, has already outlined the strategy for the duel at the Maracanã: an intense performance, focused on dominating ball possession and, if necessary, taking the decision to a penalty shootout.
Game Plan for the Maracanã
Schunke, wearing the number 5 shirt, expressed the Ecuadorian team’s mentality:
It’s a hostile game, but it’s enjoyable to play and relish these matches.
He emphasized the need for Del Valle to be the protagonists with the ball at their feet, without neglecting defensive solidity against Flamengo‘s firepower. “We need to be sharp defensively, in the duels, in the details,” he added, projecting a scenario where the team will look to create danger and, crucially, “score the goals to force penalties.”
Confidence Amid Adversity
The sense of optimism is not isolated. Another player who could feature in the starting lineup, Djorkaeff Reasco, had already signaled that the loss in the first leg has not dampened Del Valle‘s spirits. He stated that:
In my view, everything is still open.
and that the team possesses:
A great team as well, so we are going with the same desire in search of this victory.
This reinforced motivation is seen as the main source of energy for their pursuit of qualification. Even defender Mateo Carabajal, who admitted the difficulty of playing at the Maracanã, ensured that the team is traveling with:
Great hope of being able to turn the series around.
Rubro-Negro Advantage and Qualification Scenario
Flamengo enters the match with the advantage of having won the first leg 2-0 in Quito. With that result, the Rubro-Negro can qualify even with a loss by up to one goal, thus advancing to the semifinals of the Libertadores. For Del Valle, the mission is clear: they need a victory by at least a two-goal margin to force a penalty shootout, or a three-goal margin to secure direct qualification.
Match Information
The showdown between Flamengo and Independiente del Valle takes place this Thursday (17th), at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), at the iconic Maracanã Stadium. The return leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals will have broad television coverage via ESPN (pay-TV) and the Disney+ streaming service. For the Rubro-negro fans, Coluna do Fla will also offer complete coverage on their website, YouTube channel, and social media, ensuring no moment of the decision is missed.
M360 Team
