Flamengo faces Independiente del Valle in Quito for the Libertadores. With Pedro on the bench, manager Leonardo Jardim bets on a more physical team to handle the altitude.
Flamengo begins its journey in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals this Thursday (10) in a decisive clash against Independiente del Valle (ECU). The match, which kicks off at 9:30 PM (Brasilia time), presents an extra challenge for the Rubro-Negro: the feared altitude of Quito. Given this scenario, manager Leonardo Jardim has opted for a more robust formation, seeking to minimize the impacts of the adverse climatic conditions.
The main surprise in the lineup is the absence of star striker Pedro from the starting XI, with the forward starting the game on the bench. The choice reflects a strategy focused on physical endurance and the experience of players who adapt better to high-altitude environments, such as Bruno Henrique, who is slated to start the match.
Jardim’s Strategy for the Altitude
For the match at the Estádio Olímpico Atahualpa, Flamengo‘s lineup will be: Rossi; Emerson Royal, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Ayrton Lucas; Erick Pulgar, Jorginho, and Arrascaeta; Samuel Lino, Jorge Carrascal, and Bruno Henrique. Jardim‘s decision to rest Pedro and start Bruno Henrique underscores his intention to have a team with greater defensive presence and stamina to endure 90 minutes in unfavorable conditions.
The M360 team analyzed the situation and commented on the manager’s choice:
I like the lineup; this is exactly the strategy Jardim needs. In the previous game at altitude against Cusco (PER) during the Libertadores opener, the manager did the same thing, and Flamengo won 2-0. Del Valle is much better than the Peruvian side, of course. But the altitude in Cusco is higher than in Quito.
Absences and Next Steps
Flamengo will also be without key players. Alex Sandro is in the final stages of recovering from an injury, and Evertton Araújo is currently under medical care. Additionally, Everton Cebolinha, who was on the bench for the last game, has been transferred to Santos, and young talent Lorran has returned to the U-20 squad, which limits options on the bench.
The match will be broadcast live on the ESPN cable channel and the Disney Plus streaming service. The return leg is scheduled for next Thursday (17) at the Maracanã. The winner of this tie will face the victor between Corinthians and Estudiantes (ARG), who drew 1-1 in the first leg in La Plata and will decide the spot next Wednesday (16) at the Neo Química Arena in São Paulo. Manager Jardim‘s strategy in Quito is crucial to secure a good result and consolidate Flamengo‘s chances of advancing in the continental competition.
