DE LA CRUZ OR GERSON? TITE TALKS ABOUT WHO WILL BE THE STARTER AT FLAMENGO

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 .

Flamengo is already planning reinforcements for the 2026 season and has Gabriel Grando, 25, on its list of potential signings . According to the newspaper O Dia, the Flamengo board is closely monitoring the situation of the Grêmio goalkeeper, who came through the Grêmio youth academy and stands at 1.92m tall. The athlete recently rejected a contract renewal offer in Porto Alegre.

The move comes amid the planned departure of Matheus Cunha , Agustín Rossi's current backup, who is expected to sign a pre-contract with Cruzeiro . With no room at Gávea, the goalkeeper will leave the club in 2026, prompting the board to plan a replacement.

GABRIEL GRANDO'S CONTRACT AND SITUATION

Negotiations between Gabriel Grando and Grêmio are ongoing, but have yet to be finalized. Flamengo is monitoring developments and may formalize an offer soon. The goalkeeper nearly signed with Palmeiras this season, but the clubs failed to reach an agreement . He currently has a contract with Grêmio until December 2026.

According to journalist Fabrício Lopes, director José Boto held initial talks and presented a salary offer, which the player has already accepted . In addition to Flamengo , Botafogo has also expressed interest in signing the goalkeeper.

ABOUT THAT…

While the board continues to search for a new goalkeeper, Flamengo returns to the field this Wednesday (20) for the second game of the round of 16 of the Libertadores against Internacional , at Beira-Rio. The match is scheduled for 9:30 pm (Brasília time) and will be broadcast by Rede Globo (open TV), ESPN (closed TV) and Disney+.

Botafogo's rise in recent years has intensified its rivalry with Flamengo, making the derby one of the most anticipated in Brazilian football . Former Botafogo player Luiz Henrique revealed that Flamengo defender Léo Ortiz was the toughest opponent he faced.

In an interview with journalist Marcelo Hazan, the Zenit (RUS) striker highlighted the defensive quality of the number 3, who has been called up to the Brazilian national team several times. Furthermore, Luiz Henrique stated that the derby against Flamengo was the duel he most wanted to win .

LEO ORTIZ MOMENT

A key player in Flamengo 's defense, Léo Ortiz is in great form in 2025. Playing alongside Léo Pereira for much of the season, while Danilo was recovering from injury, the defender has already played 40 games, scored four goals and provided two assists this year.

LUIZ HENRIQUE'S RETROSPECT AGAINST FLAMENGO

Discovered by Fluminense and with a notable stint at Botafogo, Luiz Henrique faced Flamengo 12 times, with a balanced result: five wins, two draws and five defeats, totaling 47.2% success against Rubro-Negro.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT CHALLENGE

Flamengo returns to the field this Wednesday (20), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), against Internacional, at Beira-Rio, for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. Mengão won the first leg 1-0 and can even draw to guarantee qualification . A Colorado victory by one goal difference takes the decision to penalties.