Forward Samuel Lino continues in a brilliant run of form for Flamengo. After finding the back of the net and securing qualification over Cruzeiro in the Libertadores, the No. 16 is on the verge of reaching a “double-double” for the season.
Flamengo‘s advancement to the Libertadores quarterfinals was defined not only by collective consistency but also by the individual rise of Samuel Lino. The forward was decisive in the 2-1 triumph over Cruzeiro at the Maracanã, and he is now chasing a significant statistical milestone: the “double-double,” which consists of reaching double digits (ten or more) in both goals and assists in the same season.
Currently, the No. 16 has accumulated nine goals and ten assists in 39 matches. This performance nears the peak of his career, recorded with Gil Vicente (POR) in the 2021/22 season, when the athlete registered 14 goals and five assists in 38 games.
Protagonism in the offensive sector
Beyond his goal-scoring instinct, Samuel Lino stands out for his creative ability. The player leads the Rubro-Negro squad in assists and big chances created, totaling 16 decisive opportunities this year. In terms of direct goal contributions, he is currently behind only Pedro, who remains the main reference in the attack with 30 contributions compared to Lino’s 19.
Pedro and his knockout stage records
Center-forward Pedro also left his mark in the clash against the Minas Gerais side, contributing two assists. With this performance, the No. 9 reached eight goal contributions in knockout stage matches alone this season, becoming the leader among all Brazilian Serie A players in this specific metric.
Historic stats for Mengão
The result at the Maracanã boosted Flamengo in important rankings. The Rio club has moved into sole possession of second place among Brazilian teams that have eliminated domestic rivals in Libertadores history. Now, Mais Querido has accumulated nine eliminations against clubs from the country, trailing only Palmeiras, who have 12. Their performance as hosts is also impressive: a 100% winning record and ten goals scored in four home games this edition.
Next steps
With their spot secured, the focus shifts back to the national stage. Flamengo will face Cruzeiro again this Saturday (22) in a duel for the 24th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. The match will be played at Mineirão starting at 8:30 PM (Brasília time), with broadcast on Amazon Prime and full coverage by the M360 Team.
The M360 Team stated:
Even if his average at Gil Vicente was better, the 2026 version of Samuel Lino plays better. The guy is more mature, stronger, and is playing in a more competitive league.
The moment being experienced by the squad demonstrates that the coaching staff’s planning is paying off, with players reaching their physical and tactical peak precisely during the final stretch of the year’s most important competitions.
M360 Team
