Abel Braga talks about the feeling of beating Flamengo with Fluminense: "Surreal Business"

Flamengo and Internacional face each other this Wednesday (13), at Maracanã, for the first leg of the round of 16 of the Conmebol Libertadores. The return duel is scheduled for August 20, at Beira-Rio. Abel Braga, former coach with spells at both clubs, assessed that both teams arrive at the clash experiencing periods of instability .

Abel Braga on Flamengo and Internacional: "neither is at its best"

"It's an extremely close game. Flamengo hasn't been able to maintain a winning streak of four, five, or six wins . They're also coming off an elimination. Inter, which wasn't doing well, managed three or four 1-0 wins and made a significant leap forward. It has all the makings of a great game, but the truth is that neither team is at their best," Abel analyzed in an interview with GE.

The coach also highlighted the strengths of each team: "I hope it's a great game. Both Flamengo and Inter have the squads to put on a great show. Flamengo, with their usual high-pressing . Inter, with their surprising passing from one side to the other, especially with Wesley. It's hard to imagine Flamengo man-marking Alan Patrick," he concluded.

TEAMS' MOMENT IN THE SEASON

Under Filipe Luís, Flamengo was eliminated from the Copa do Brasil, but remains the undisputed leader of the Brasileirão, despite having played a game less . In its last ten games, the team has six wins, one draw, and three losses. Internacional, meanwhile, has won four, drawn two, and lost four in the same period. The pressure on coach Roger Machado is mounting at the Rio Grande do Sul club.

GAME DATE AND TIME

The clash between Flamengo and Internacional takes place this Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã , for the first leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores. The decisive duel will be on August 20, at Beira-Rio. The match will be broadcast by Globo, ESPN and Disney+.

Flamengo hosts Internacional this Wednesday (13), at Maracanã , for the first leg of the round of 16 of the Conmebol Libertadores. Before the duel in Rio de Janeiro, Zico analyzed the confrontation, praised both teams and highlighted the importance of the home factor for Mais Querido.

Zico previews the duel: "In recent years, Flamengo and Internacional have played great matches"

"It's a remarkable game, it's a shame that a Brazilian team has to say goodbye to the competition. In recent years, Flamengo and Internacional have played great matches, and , fortunately for us, most of the victories have been ours ," Zico said in an interview with Rádio Gaúcha.

The Flamengo idol also highlighted the evenly matched performance and both teams' positive home records: "Playing at Maracanã, Flamengo always comes in as a slight favorite, but not overly so . In knockout matches, just like in the South, Inter also has its strengths. If you look at the teams' home records, their success rates are always very high," concluded the Galinho de Quintino.

FLAMENGO'S PERFORMANCE AS HOME TEAM

This season, Flamengo has been consistent at Maracanã. Under Filipe Luís, the team has played 23 matches at the stadium, winning 16 , drawing three, and losing only four. In the Brasileirão, Mengão has conceded just two goals at home.

DATE, TIME AND TRANSMISSION

Flamengo x Internacional will be played this Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the first leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores. The match will be broadcast by Rede Globo (open TV), ESPN (closed TV) and Disney+ (streaming).

Striker Vitinho, recently signed by Corinthians , was officially presented at the São Paulo club this Tuesday. The former Flamengo player highlighted the warm welcome he received from Hugo Souza, Gustavo Henrique and Matheuzinho , players who played alongside him at Rubro-Negro.

"Matheuzinho (full-back) kept asking me if I was coming and I couldn't talk. He was a bit anxious, he wanted me to come and be here with him. They welcomed me with open arms, and that makes things much easier. I had this moment of welcoming them to the base. And now it's the other way around. Gustavo Henrique (defender) is someone with whom I have a very good relationship. It's good to be here with them," said Vitinho.

EX-FLAMENGO AWAITS DEBUT

Despite his expected debut, Vitinho still doesn't have a confirmed date for his appearance for Corinthians . The striker emphasized that he needs time to adapt and be fully prepared physically.

Former Flamengo player Vitinho admits his anxiety at Corinthians: "I'm looking forward to my debut"

"I'm really looking forward to starting to play. But I really need some time. The staff is very qualified to get me in playing condition. I'm looking forward to making my debut, in the best possible conditions , given the situation we're experiencing today," said the new number 29.

PASSAGE THROUGH FLAMENGO

Vitinho played for Flamengo between 2018 and 2022, winning nine titles during his time there, including the Brasileirão, Copa Libertadores, Supercopa do Brasil, and Campeonato Carioca. At the São Paulo club, he reunites with former teammates with whom he played for Flamengo 's youth academy and first team, strengthening his connection with the group.