Flamengo is ready for the challenge in Quito. Check out Leonardo Jardim’s probable starting lineup and all the details for the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals.
Flamengo begins its decisive journey in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals this Thursday (10). The Rubro-Negro takes on Independiente del Valle at the Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa in Quito, starting at 9:30 PM (Brasilia time). The matchup, which carries a spot in the competition’s semifinals, will require extra caution from the Rio-based side due to the altitude and the opponent’s strength on their home turf.
For this first leg, manager Leonardo Jardim has already outlined his strategy. The starting 11 for the Mais Querido features: Rossi; Emerson Royal, Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz, and Ayrton Lucas; Pulgar, Jorginho, and Arrascaeta; Carrascal, Samuel Lino, and Pedro. Striker Bruno Henrique will begin the match on the bench, serving as a key attacking option as the game unfolds.
Opponent’s strategy
On the other side, Independiente del Valle is expected to play with a cautious approach. The Ecuadorians’ likely lineup includes: Aldair Quintana; Daykol Romero, Carabajal, Schunke, and Layan Loor; Alcivar, Hugo Quintana, Sornoza; Arón Rodríguez, Emerson Pata (or Djorkaeff Reasco), and Carlos González. The home side is betting on a formation with three defensive midfielders to attempt to neutralize the Rubro-Negro’s creativity in the middle of the park.
The M360 Team highlights:
Flamengo is looking for a positive result in Quito to head into the decisive return leg in Rio de Janeiro with more breathing room. The starting lineup signals the manager’s strategy for this first stage of the knockout round.
Where to watch and coverage
Fans looking to follow the match have two official options. The game will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN and via the streaming platform Disney+. Full coverage of the match, including behind-the-scenes content, real-time lineups, and the atmosphere directly from Ecuador, can be found through the M360 Team channels.
After the first leg, the focus shifts to the return match, scheduled for September 17. The final decision will take place at the Maracanã, also at 9:30 PM, where Flamengo hopes to secure its spot in the next round of the Libertadores in front of its home crowd. The result on Ecuadorian soil will be fundamental in determining the advantage the Rio club will bring back to Rio de Janeiro.
M360 Team
