With changes, check out Flamengo's likely lineup to face Estudiantes

Flamengo faces one of the most important matches of the season this Thursday to keep its dream of a fourth Copa Libertadores title alive. The team travels to La Plata, Argentina, to face Estudiantes in the second leg of the continental tournament's quarterfinals . After winning 2-1 at Maracanã, the Rubro-Negro has the advantage of playing for a draw to advance to the semifinals.

One of the most talked-about signings of the last transfer window, Saúl Ñíguez is in excellent form for Flamengo . The Spaniard took over the starting midfield spot following Erick Pulgar's injury , overcoming competition from Allan, De la Cruz, and Everton Araújo. He's expected to remain in the starting eleven for the match against Estudiantes.

DETAILS ARE DECISIVE

In an interview with Flamengo TV , Saúl stressed that the team needs to enter the field with maturity and full attention to avoid being surprised by their Argentine rivals. " We have to be a mature team, but above all, be ourselves. We can't be distracted by the environment or the type of game Estudiantes can play ," said the midfielder.

" We'll try to win the match with our weapons. In the Libertadores, as in the Champions League and in any knockout competition, every detail is very important. We have to be very focused so that this doesn't affect us, " said Saúl.

FLAMENGO PRESERVES HEADQUARTERS

Just as Estudiantes rested athletes in the Argentine Championship, Flamengo also preserved important pieces in the classic against Vasco, last Sunday (21) . Pedro, Arrascaeta, Léo Pereira and Samuel Lino started on the bench and only entered in the second half, reinforcing the strategy of arriving with maximum strength to the decisive duel.

Flamengo announced this Wednesday (24) security measures for fans who will accompany the team against Estudiantes , this Thursday (25), for the second leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals . The duel will be held at the Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium, in La Plata.

FOCUS ON SAFETY

In a statement on social media , the club announced that the official meeting point for the red-and-blacks will be at 4 p.m. , at the intersection of Avenida Elvira Rawson de Dellepiane and Avenida Calabria, in Buenos Aires. From there, fans will proceed in an organized manner to La Plata.

Fans are advised to use buses and vans, as the Argentine police will only escort these vehicles . The club advises against the use of private vehicles, seeking to reduce the risk of incidents before and after the match.

FIELD ADVANTAGE

In terms of sport, Flamengo has the advantage after beating Estudiantes 2-1 at Maracanã , with goals from Pedro and Varela. With this result, the team can even draw away from home to advance to the semifinal, where they will face Racing, who eliminated Vélez last Tuesday (23).

TRANSMISSION

Flamengo takes the field this Thursday (25) at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) against Estudiantes in the quarterfinals of the Libertadores. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN, on pay TV, and on Disney+, via streaming . If Argentina wins by one goal, the decision will go to penalties.

Coach Renato Gaúcho could not resist Fluminense's elimination from the Copa Sudamericana and resigned in the early hours of this Wednesday (25). The decision was announced during the post-match press conference, after the 1-1 draw with Lanús, at Maracanã, which decreed the Tricolor's exit from the competition. In the only match he trained against Flamengo this season, the coach was defeated 1-0 .

Before the revelation, Renato answered questions normally for about 17 minutes. At the end, he surprised everyone: "I shouldn't even be talking to you about this; the president is the one who's going to speak. But all these questions, from some internet geniuses, a lot of people go after those geniuses. Before coming here, I just resigned to the president ," the coach declared.

"So from now on, there'll be another guy here. You'll be asking him the same questions, and I want to see his answers. I want to see if he'll field the team the fans want or the team he has in mind ," concluded the former Flamengo player . Renato also vented about the criticism he's received, especially on social media, and stated that his departure is to "clear his head."

WHAT ABOUT FLUMINENSE?

With Renato's departure, assistants Alexandre Mendes and Marcelo Salles also leave the club. The interim will be Marcão, Tricolor's permanent assistant. Fluminense's next commitment is this Sunday (28), against Botafogo , for the Brasileirão, again at Maracanã.

RENATO'S NUMBERS AT TRICOLOR

Renato Gaúcho arrived at Fluminense in April 2025 and led the team in 42 matches, winning 21, drawing 9, and losing 12. Under his leadership, the team reached the semifinals of the Club World Cup, secured a spot in the Copa do Brasil semifinals, and currently sits in 8th place in the Brasileirão.

AND FLAMENGO?

While Fluminense is searching for a new coach, Flamengo takes the field this Thursday (25) at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) against Estudiantes in the Libertadores quarterfinals. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN, on cable TV, and on Disney+ , via streaming. A win or a draw will qualify "Mais Querido", while "Pincha" needs to win by two goals to secure a spot. If Argentina wins by one goal, the decision will go to penalties.