LOW? FLAMENGO ATTACKER IS WORRIED FOR THE CARIOCA SEMIFINAL

This Wednesday (20), Flamengo will face Internacional again, this time in the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores, at the Beira-Rio Stadium. The Mais Querido arrives at the clash in high spirits, after winning the first game 1-0, at Maracanã, and repeating the positive result last Sunday (17), when they defeated the Gauchos 3-1 in the Brazilian Championship.

The Rio de Janeiro team, currently the sole leader of the Brasileirão , now turns its attention to the continental tournament. With the advantage of a draw, the goal is to secure a spot in the quarterfinals and continue its quest for a fourth Libertadores title. In the group stage, the club finished second in Group C with 11 points , the same score as leaders LDU. In seven matches, they recorded four wins, two draws, and one loss.

FLAMENGO'S PROBABLE LINEUP

The team is expected to take to the field with the following lineup: Agustín Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Alex Sandro; Allan, Jorginho, and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino, and Bruno Henrique (Pedro) . The confirmed absence is midfielder Erick Pulgar, who remains in the medical department.

Coach Roher Machado's international squad should have: Rochet; Aguirre, Vitão, Juninho and Bernabei; Thiago Maia, Alan Rodríguez, Alan Patrick, Bruno Tabata (Carbonero) and Wesley; Ricardo Mathias.

URUGUAYAN REFEREE WILL CONTROL THE MATCH

CONMEBOL has appointed Uruguayan Esteban Ostojich as the match's main referee . Recognized for his experience in international tournaments, he has already officiated decisive matches in the competition and returns to referee a highly significant match on the continental stage.

CONMEBOL announced this week that Uruguayan referee Esteban Ostojich will officiate the match between Flamengo and Internacional , the second leg of the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 , at Beira-Rio Stadium. He is considered one of the most experienced referees in South America and has already been involved in important decisions in the organization's tournaments.

In this edition of the tournament, Ostojich has already officiated in seven matches, being selected in key matches . The referee is frequently chosen for Brazilian club matches, reinforcing his position of trust within CONMEBOL.

Ostojich has refereed four matches involving Flamengo , with a balanced record: two wins, one draw, and one loss. In 2021, he was present for the 3-2 victory over LDU. The following year, he oversaw Corinthians' 1-0 triumph. In 2023, he officiated the 1-1 draw against Ñublense, and in 2024, he refereed the defeat to Palestino, which was marked by refereeing controversy.

REFEREE'S RECENT HISTORY

Internacional has also been led by the Uruguayan in decisive moments. The most recent example came in the 2023 Copa Libertadores quarterfinals, when the Rio Grande do Sul team defeated Bolívar 2-0 at Beira-Rio . This positive record boosts Colorado's confidence for the decisive clash against Mengão.

FLAMENGO'S PROBABLE LINEUP

For the duel, the expectation is that coach Filipe Luís will maintain the following starting lineup: Agustín Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Allan, Jorginho and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino and Bruno Henrique (Pedro).

This Wednesday (20), Flamengo and Internacional will face each other again in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores . ESPN confirmed that Rogério Vaughan will be the narrator , accompanied by commentators Zinho and Paulo Calçade . The broadcast will also be available on the Disney+ streaming service.

Globo 's broadcast team will feature Everaldo Marques, Caio Ribeiro, and Maestro Júnior . Luiz Roberto will not be on the show. The change between the announcers was prompted by Luis's participation in the network's 100th anniversary event in Brasília, according to the website "Na Telinha."

HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR THE GAME

Flamengo and Internacional recently faced each other in both the Brasileirão and the Libertadores, with Flamengo coming out on top on both occasions. However , this Wednesday's match is considered the most important , as it determines who will advance in the continental competition.

Colorado will have the advantage of playing at home, at Beira-Rio, while Mengão arrives with confidence after two consecutive victories over their rivals : 1-0 in the first leg of the Libertadores round of 16 and 3-1 in the Brazilian Championship.

FLAMENGO LINEUP

For the match, coach Filipe Luís is counting on the return of two key reinforcements: Danilo and De La Cruz. Both offer additional midfield options , bolstering the squad for the decisive match. Flamengo's likely starting lineup is: Agustín Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Alex Sandro; Allan, Jorginho, and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino, and Bruno Henrique (Pedro).