The determination of Flamengo’s opponent in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals has been postponed until Tuesday due to the impact of an earthquake.
Flamengo secured its spot in the Copa Libertadoresquarterfinals by defeating Cruzeiro 2-1 in the second leg of the round of 16, played last Wednesday (19). The victory confirmed the Rubro-Negro’s expectations in the continental tournament.
However, the Rio de Janeiro club finds itself in an unusual situation: it is the only qualified team that still doesn’t know its next opponent. The determination was postponed due to an unforeseen event: an earthquake that affected Colombia, directly impacting Conmebol’s schedule.
The wait will extend until next week, when Tolima, from Colombia, and Independiente del Valle, from Ecuador, will finally determine who will advance to face the Mais Querido.
Impact of the Earthquake in Colombia
The Libertadores schedule was directly affected by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that hit Colombia on August 11, resulting in approximately 280 fatalities. This natural disaster forced the postponement of the first leg match between Tolima and Independiente del Valle.
Originally scheduled for August 11, the initial match only took place last Tuesday (18). Such a delay in playing a crucial match had repercussions throughout the bracket, especially for Flamengo, which is eagerly awaiting the resolution.
The Decision Next Week
The second leg match, which will determine the Rubro-Negro’s opponent in the quarterfinals, will be held next Tuesday (25) in Ecuador. Tolima arrives at a disadvantage, having lost the first leg 1-0 on their home turf.
To secure their spot, the Colombian team needs to overturn the score, seeking a victory by at least two goals. Independiente del Valle, in turn, plays with the advantage of a draw or a one-goal defeat, provided they score.
Other Confirmed Matchups
While Flamengo awaits, the other Libertadoresquarterfinal matchups are already established:
- Estudiantes (ARG) vs. Corinthians
- Palmeiras vs. LDU (ECU)
- Fluminense vs. Platense (ARG)
Provisional Knockout Stage Dates
Conmebol released a preliminary schedule for the upcoming stages. The first leg matches of the quarterfinals are expected to take place between September 8 and 10, while the second leg matches are scheduled for the week of the 15th to the 17th of the same month. The entity will still officially confirm the dates and times.
Focus on the Brazilian Serie A
Before returning to the continental stage, Flamengo turns its attention to the Brazilian Serie A. The Mais Querido has a fixture for the 24th round this Saturday (22).
The Rio de Janeiro team will face Cruzeiro again, this time in the national championship, at Mineirão, in Belo Horizonte. The match is scheduled for 8:30 PM Brasília time. The clash between Flamengo and Cruzeiro will be available on Amazon Prime’s streaming service.
Equipe M360
