Flamengo begins its Libertadores quarterfinal journey against Independiente del Valle. Facing the challenges of altitude, Leonardo Jardim sets his lineup with Plata back in the mix.
Flamengo has landed in Quito ready for one of the biggest challenges of the season: the first leg of the Conmebol Libertadores quarterfinals. This Thursday at 9:30 PM, the Rio de Janeiro side faces off against Independiente del Valle at the Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa.
Manager Leonardo Jardim faces the difficult task of balancing his players’ physical intensity with the demands imposed by the 2,850 meters of altitude in the Ecuadorian capital.
The Rubro-Negro strategy is focused on maintaining competitiveness, even in the face of environmental adversities. Although the final lineup depends on last-minute adjustments, the coaching staff intends to field the best available squad to ensure a solid result before the decisive match at the Maracanã.
Squad news and absences
The major headline among the players selected for the trip is the return of Plata. After spending days in Dubai and following a failed transfer negotiation with Dynamo Moscow, the Ecuadorian forward is available to play specifically against his former club.
On the other hand, the manager is dealing with medical and administrative issues that have thinned out the traveling group. Everton Cebolinha, who is in talks with Santos, and youngster Lorran, who has been sent down to the U-20 squad, are out.
In the medical department, the situation requires caution. Evertton Araújo has been ruled out due to a thigh muscle injury, while full-back Alex Sandro continues his physical transition work after experiencing calf pain.
According to the M360 Team, physical planning has been doubled down to avoid further muscle issues in Quito.
Probable lineup and expectations
The tactical structure is expected to maintain the core that has been playing, with rotations between Arrascaeta and Paquetá in the creative midfield. The probable lineup is: Rossi; Emerson Royal, Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz, Ayrton Lucas; Pulgar, Jorginho, Arrascaeta (or Paquetá); Carrascal, Samuel Lino, and Pedro (or Bruno Henrique).
Regarding preparation, the M360 Team notes that energy management will be vital:
The altitude demands a strategic approach, where ball possession must be the main instrument for both defense and attack to wear down the opponent and conserve the group’s breath.
The return leg, which will determine the competition’s semifinalist, will take place next week. Until then, the focus for the Mais Querido is to withstand the pressure in Ecuador and bring back a positive result to decide the qualification in front of their home fans.
M360 Team
