Independiente del Valle defender Mateo Carabajal remains hopeful of overturning Flamengo’s advantage in the decisive Libertadores quarter-final clash.
The Independiente del Valle delegation is already en route to Rio de Janeiro for the decisive second-leg clash against Flamengo in the Copa Libertadores de América quarterfinals. Despite a 2-0 defeat in Quito, the Ecuadorian squad remains optimistic about advancing to the next stage of the continental competition.
Before departure, defender Mateo Carabajal acknowledged the strength of their opponent and the pressure of playing at the Maracanã, but reaffirmed the team’s commitment to their game plan. The visiting club’s focus is to nullify the advantage gained by the Brazilians in the first leg.
Confidence Amidst Difficulty
In an interview at the airport, Mateo Carabajal emphasized that the team is aware of the challenge but is not giving up. The Ecuadorians’ strategy involves resilience to handle the passionate support of the *Rubro-Negra* faithful and the stadium’s history.
“It will be a difficult pitch, but we are very hopeful of turning the series around.”
The Ecuadorian team will use Fluminense’s training center for their preparatory activities this Wednesday (16), seeking the best adaptation to the climate and pitch before kickoff.
The Scenario for the Maracanã Clash
Flamengo enters the match with the comfort of having won the first leg 2-0, with goals scored by Bruno Henrique and Léo Pereira. With this score, the team led by the *Rubro-Negra* coaching staff can even lose by one goal and still secure a spot in the semifinals.
For the decision to go to penalties, Del Valle needs to win by a 2-0 margin. The match is scheduled for this Thursday (17), at 9:30 PM (Brasília time). It will be broadcast by ESPN and the streaming service Disney+. The M360 Team will provide full real-time coverage.
The winner of this clash will face the victor of the Corinthians vs. Estudiantes match in the semifinals. For Flamengo, this game is the final step to keep their title dream alive, while Independiente del Valle seeks to make history on Brazilian soil.
M360 Team
