FORMER FLAMENGO PLAYER AND CREATIVE OF THE NINHO ENTER THE SIGHTS OF ITALIAN GIANT

Striker Juninho traveled with the Flamengo squad to Porto Alegre, where the team faces Internacional this Wednesday (20) , for the decisive clash of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. However, the player's use is not yet confirmed . Out of the last match against Colorado for the Brazilian Championship, the center forward lost space in recent weeks and was not related in three consecutive games, including the first leg duel at Maracanã.

Internally, the club's board is evaluating the athlete's future, as he has received inquiries from Saudi Arabian football clubs, with loan proposals rejected by the club. Previously, Juninho was close to a move to Sevilla earlier this year.

Negotiations, however, were halted after coach Filipe Luís intervened, contacting the striker to convince him to join Mengão's project. The investment was substantial: R$37.2 million to acquire the number 23, who currently has no place on the team.

JUNE NUMBERS IN 2025

In 2025, Juninho played 22 matches for Flamengo , scoring just three goals and providing no assists. He played 726 minutes that season, almost always sporadically used by Filipe Luís. In the Carioca Championship, he appeared in eight matches and scored two goals.

He has already played six times in the Brasileirão, without finding the net. In the Libertadores, he played four games and scored one goal , while in the national cups and the Club World Cup, he failed to stand out.

Internacional has announced the players selected for the game against Flamengo , valid for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. The match will be played this Wednesday (20), at 9:30 pm, at the Beira-Rio Stadium. Colorado needs to win by two goals to qualify directly. If they win by just one goal, the decision will go to penalties.

The big addition to the Rio Grande do Sul delegation is striker Carbonero, who has recovered from a left thigh muscle injury. He's competing for a starting spot with Tabata, who returns from suspension. Another important addition is midfielder Alan Patrick, the team's captain , who was rested for the last Brasileirão match and is once again a key player in creating attacking plays.

PROBABLE INTERNATIONAL

Internacional's likely starting lineup to face Flamengo should include Rochet; Aguirre, Vitão, Juninho and Bernabei; Thiago Maia, Alan Rodríguez, Wesley, Alan Patrick and Carbonero (Tabata); Ricardo Mathias.

RELATED FROM COLORADO

Goalkeepers: Anthoni and Rochet

Full-backs: Aguirre, Alan Benítez and Bernabei

Defenders: Clayton Sampaio, Juninho, Victor Gabriel and Vitão

Defensive midfielders: Alan Rodríguez, Bruno Henrique, Luis Otávio, Richard, Ronaldo and Thiago Maia

Midfielders: Alan Patrick, Gustavo Prado, Romero and Tabata

Forwards: Borré, Carbonero, Ricardo Mathias and Valencia

Internacional heads into their Copa Libertadores clash against Flamengo hoping to maintain the core lineup they've used in recent matches. Coach Roger Machado is expected to rely on consistency , repeating the formation that has demonstrated a balanced defense and attack.

With virtually the entire squad available, the Colorado coach will rely on key players, especially in midfield, a crucial area against Flamengo. The team should prioritize intensity and high-pressing , seeking to exploit the speed of its forwards on counterattacks.

INTERNACIONAL'S PROBABLE LINEUP

The Colorado delegation arrived in Porto Alegre on Tuesday night (19), already in a concentration regime for the match. The novelty was the striker Carbonero , recovered from a muscle injury in his left thigh. The Colombian competes for position with Tabata, who returns after serving a suspension in the last match with Flamengo .

Another reinforcement is captain Alan Patrick, who was rested over the weekend for fitness reasons. The midfielder is considered a key player in organizing the attack and leading the team in its quest for qualification. Inter's likely starting lineup is: Rochet; Aguirre, Vitão, Juninho, and Bernabei; Thiago Maia, Alan Rodríguez, Wesley, Alan Patrick, and Carbonero (Tabata); and Ricardo Mathias.

FLAMENGO'S PROBABLE LINEUP

Coach Filipe Luís should also repeat the base of the last games, sending onto the field: Agustín Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Allan, Jorginho and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino and Bruno Henrique (Pedro).