Carioca Championship: Botafogo, Vasco and Fluminense fight for a place in the semifinal this Sunday

Flamengo returns to the field this Wednesday (20) to face Internacional, at Beira-Rio, for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores. In addition to the Brazilian duel, the round also features the clash between Estudiantes (ARG) and Cerro Porteño (PAR) , at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium. The winners of the two series will face each other in the quarterfinals.

LIBERTADORES GAMES TODAY

• 7pm – Estudiantes vs Cerro Porteño – Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium
• 9:30 pm – Internacional x Flamengo – Beira-Rio
• (Brasília time)

Estudiantes opens the doubleheader by hosting Cerro Porteño at 7 p.m. The Argentine team won the first leg 1-0 and therefore has the advantage of a draw to advance. Having the right to play at home, the Argentine club is the clear favorite in this match.

Next up, at 9:30 p.m., Internacional vs. Flamengo will play. Filipe Luís's team has the advantage after winning the first leg, also 1-0 , at Maracanã, with a goal from Bruno Henrique. Thus, Internacional can also draw to secure a place in the quarterfinals of the competition.

HOW DOES FLAMENGO ARRIVE?

The only confirmed absence is Erick Pulgar, who is still recovering from surgery on his right foot. Emerson Royal is doubtful : the full-back missed the last Brasileirão match after suffering an ankle sprain, but traveled with the team.

WHERE TO WATCH INTERNACIONAL X FLAMENGO?

The match between Flamengo and Internacional will be broadcast on Globo (free-to-air TV), ESPN (pay TV), and Disney+ (streaming) . Mengão only needs a draw to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. If Flamengo wins by one goal, the match will go to penalties.

One of Flamengo's biggest moves in 2025 was the signing of Jorginho, formerly of Arsenal (ENG). The number 21 quickly adapted to Filipe Luís's system and has already established himself as a starter in the Flamengo midfield. In an interview with ESPN, coach Mikel Arteta, who managed the Italian-Brazilian in England, recalled conversations with the player before his transfer to the Rio de Janeiro club .

Arteta talks about Jorginho at Flamengo: "He had a very clear desire to end his career in Brazil"

"We had several conversations to understand how far we wanted to go together, or not. He was very clear about his desire to finish his career in Brazil; he was waiting for an opportunity. When it came, I saw him very convinced, at every level ," Arteta said, before adding:

"First on a personal level, with his family, and then on a professional level, returning to compete in the country of his birth. It was an honor for me to have him here. I made the most of my day-to-day life with him, not only as a player , but also as a person and a leader . I wish him all the best," concluded the coach.

WHEN DID FLAMENGO HIRE JORGINHO?

Flamengo officially announced Jorginho's arrival in June 2025, with the Club World Cup in mind. The club didn't have to pay Arsenal, as the player had already terminated his contract with the English club . Since then, the midfielder has played 13 games, scored one goal, and provided two assists.

WHAT IS FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME?

With Jorginho available, Flamengo returns to the field this Wednesday (20) to face Internacional, at Beira-Rio, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores . Mengão only needs a draw to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Flamengo continues its search for another Copa Libertadores title and will decide its place in the quarterfinals this Wednesday (20), against Internacional, at Beira-Rio. The second leg of the round of 16 will be broadcast on open TV .

On Rede Globo, the match will be narrated by Everaldo Marques and commentated by Maestro Júnior and Caio Ribeiro , who both played for Flamengo during their professional careers. It's worth noting that the network also broadcast the first match.

OTHER TRANSMISSION OPTIONS

In addition to Globo, ESPN will broadcast the match on cable TV, while Disney+ will stream the game, just like it did at Maracanã. For the Disney group, Rogério Vaughan will be narrating the match, with commentary from Paulo Calçade and Zinho , formerly of Flamengo .

SITUATION OF THE RUBRO-NEGRO CAST

Coach Filipe Luís will have only one confirmed absence: Erick Pulgar, who is still recovering from surgery on his right foot. The doubt is Emerson Royal, who traveled with the delegation to Porto Alegre . The full-back did not play in the match between Flamengo and Internacional for the Brasileirão, last Sunday (17), but could be included if he is cleared by the medical department after treating a sprained ankle.

FLAMENGO'S ADVANTAGE IN THE LIBERTADORES

In the first leg at Maracanã, Flamengo won 1-0 with a goal from Bruno Henrique, and now needs a draw at Beira-Rio to advance to the quarterfinals of the continental competition. If Internacional wins by one goal, the match will be decided by a penalty shootout .