Leonardo Jardim sets Flamengo’s lineup for Libertadores showdown against Cruzeiro

By:Paulo PiresLibertadores EN18/08/2026at 09:00

Coach Leonardo Jardim will lead on Tuesday (18) the final tactical session before the decisive clash between Flamengo and Cruzeiro, in the round of 16 of the Libertadores.

The final preparation phase at the CT Ninho do Urubu is the definitive moment for the red-and-black squad. With the return leg of the Libertadores scheduled for Wednesday (19) at the Maracanã, Leonardo Jardim‘s coaching staff is focused on fine-tuning the team that will take the field seeking qualification for the continental tournament’s quarterfinals.

The atmosphere at the training center is one of total concentration. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Mineirão, the Rio de Janeiro team is motivated by their recent rout of Mirassol in the Brazilian Serie A. The expectation is that the team will maintain the consistency shown in recent matches.

Starting XI Decision

The probable lineup for the duel is expected to maintain the core used by the coach in the first encounter against the Minas Gerais team. The defensive sector, formed by Rossi, Emerson Royal, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Ayrton Lucas, should remain unchanged, while the midfield continues to be orchestrated by the creativity of Arrascaeta, alongside Pulgar and Jorginho.

The main doubt lies in the attack.

“The number 27 player did not suffer an injury and should be available for the match normally.”

notes the report from the Equipe M360 regarding the situation of Bruno Henrique, who suffered an ankle injury during the first leg but remains a technical option to bolster the offensive line alongside Plata and Samuel Lino.

Medical Department and Absences

Flamengo is still dealing with significant absences from the squad. Full-back Alex Sandro continues his recovery from calf pain, while center-back Vitão is still undergoing treatment for a muscle injury. In addition, Uruguayan De La Cruz remains sidelined, undergoing treatment for a left thigh contusion, forcing Leonardo Jardim to seek tactical alternatives.

Expectation for the Maracanã

With the aggregate score still open, the crowd’s support at the Maracanã is seen as a differentiating factor for Mais Querido. The decisive match is scheduled for 9:30 PM (Brasília time) and will be broadcast by Rede Globo. The Equipe M360 will cover all the details of the match with on-site reporting, bringing immediate information directly from the stadium to the red-and-black fans.

Equipe M360