Flamengo ends a four-year drought and will once again decide a knockout stage of the Conmebol Libertadores at its historic venue, the Maracanã.
This Wednesday, June 19, the Maracanã is preparing to host another decisive chapter in the Conmebol Libertadores. Flamengo will face Cruzeiro in the second leg of the Round of 16, in a matchup that promises to electrify the fans.
This duel, besides being crucial for qualification, marks the Rubro-Negro‘s return to playing a decisive continental tournament match at home after a four-season hiatus.
Expectations are high not only for the game’s importance but also for the reunion with a tradition that seemed lost in recent years. The Rio de Janeiro-based club will have the advantage of deciding its future in the competition at home, a factor that historically propels the team and the crowd.
The End of a Cycle Without Home Deciders
The last time Flamengo had the opportunity to decide a Libertadores knockout match on its home turf was in the 2022 Semifinals. On that occasion, Mais Querido defeated Vélez Sarsfield 2-1 at the Maracanã, securing a spot in the grand final.
After that achievement, the scenario changed.
In the following three years, the club failed to secure the top spot in their groups, finishing second. In 2023, Racing (ARG) finished first in the group stage.
In 2024, it was Bolívar (BOL) that topped the table, and in 2025, LDU (EQU) came out on top, forcing Flamengo to play their knockout matches away.
The Turnaround in 2025 and the Return of the Advantage
The current 2025 season represents a change of course for Flamengo in the South American competition. With a solid campaign, the team has finally reclaimed the lead in their group, surpassing opponents like Estudiantes (ARG), Independiente Medellín (COL), and Cusco (PER).
This performance secured the right to play the second leg of the knockout rounds at home, starting with the Round of 16 against Cruzeiro. The return of the home-field advantage is seen as a crucial asset in the quest for a third title.
Matchup and Expectations: Flamengo vs. Cruzeiro
For the decisive clash, both teams arrive with motivation. Flamengo, under coach Leonardo Jardim, seeks to confirm qualification, coming off a 5-1 thrashing of Mirassol in the national league.
On the other side, Cruzeiro, led by Artur Jorge, also comes from a positive result, with a 2-1 victory over Corinthians in the Brasileirão (Brazilian Serie A). The lineups have already been released, and the teams are ready for the confrontation.
The match takes place this Wednesday, June 19, at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), at the Jornalista Mário Filho Stadium. Fans can follow the live broadcast on Globo (free-to-air TV), GE TV (YouTube), and Paramount+ (streaming), in a game that promises to be a spectacle of football and emotion.
Flamengo‘s return to deciding Libertadores matches at home underscores the importance of the group stage and the pursuit of the top spot. With massive fan support at the Maracanã, the club hopes to advance in the competition and continue on the path toward another continental title.
By M360 Staff
