Flamengo seeks impressive sequence against Internacional

This Wednesday (20), Flamengo faces Internacional again, now in the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores, at the Beira-Rio stadium. The Rio de Janeiro team has already beaten the Gauchos in the two previous meetings : 1-0 at Maracanã and 3-1 last Sunday (17), in Rio Grande do Sul.

Casagrande bets: "I believe Flamengo will go through"

According to former player Casagrande, Internacional's strength as a home team is recognized, but Flamengo remains the clear favorite. " I believe Flamengo will advance. They have the advantage of a draw, and even with Inter having the support of their fans, playing at Beira-Rio, where it's not easy. So, I don't think Flamengo will lose this game. Flamengo will qualify," he stated.

CASAGRANDE PROJECTS FLA X INTER

Internacional, under pressure from the aggregate result, should adopt an attacking stance. However, Casagrande emphasizes that facing Flamengo is a difficult task , considering the strength of the squad and coach Filipe Luís's ability to make strategic adjustments during the match.

"It's a team that will have to go all out against Flamengo to score. Go all out against Flamengo, which has the best squad in South America . Filipe Luís takes off five players and puts on five, and the team, at times, even becomes more aggressive and better, guys," he explained.

FLAMENGO'S GOOD MOMENT

With a favorable recent record, Flamengo arrives at Beira-Rio confident, even away from home. The expectation is to maintain its dominant pace and secure a spot in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals, ensuring another standout performance from the squad.

After leaving Atlético de Madrid in the last transfer window, Samuel Lino arrived at Flamengo in good form and was already being closely watched by Carlo Ancelotti, who included him in a preliminary list for the Brazilian National Team's commitments in the World Cup Qualifiers.

Despite his short time at the club, Samuel Lino has already proven himself in the red-and-black squad . In six matches, the forward has actively participated in matches against Internacional, Mirassol, Ceará, and Atlético-MG (two times). Although he hasn't yet scored, his assist against Mirassol and his style, characterized by speed and dribbling, have earned him a place with the fans.

Carlo Ancelotti's interest intensified after a dinner in Rio de Janeiro on August 14 , when coach and player met. Vinícius Júnior's suspension for the first match of the FIFA World Cup leaves room for Samuel Lino to be considered as an alternative for the games against Chile and Bolivia, scheduled for September 4 and 9.

EXPECTATION FOR THE OFFICIAL LIST

Carlo Ancelotti 's call-up will take place on Monday (25), and the coach will officially announce the list of players who will face Chile and Bolivia. The games will take place on September 4th and 9th , respectively. Léo Ortiz is also expected to appear in the call-up.

FLAMENGO CALENDAR

Despite the possibility of being called up, the striker shouldn't be a problem for Flamengo 's schedule. During the FIFA international break, the club will have a break from competition , with matches against Grêmio on August 31st and Juventude on September 13th. This way, Lino will be able to fully dedicate himself to the national team without compromising his commitments for the Rio de Janeiro club.

Flamengo found a new midfielder in their 3-1 Brasileirão victory over Internacional. Playing alongside Jorginho as a defensive midfielder by Filipe Luís , Spaniard Saúl made his starting debut and delivered, playing the full 90 minutes.

Newly arrived at the club, Saúl had started on the bench against Mirassol (Brasileirão) and Inter (Libertadores). Having not played since May, he had been reconditioning himself physically since his arrival on July 23. Against Colorado, in addition to keeping up with the pace, he showed confidence in his role.

AN OPTION IN A PROBLEMATIC SECTOR

Filipe Luís had previously stated that he saw Saúl capable of playing in any midfield position, but highlighted his role as an open player on the right , the same role Gerson excelled in and that Plata and Luiz Araújo have occupied. This positive debut broadens the coach's range in a sector suffering from significant absences.

The Spaniard replaced Allan, who was out due to thigh pain—although he hasn't been diagnosed with an injury. Pulgar, the starting player, is still recovering from foot surgery and isn't expected back until October. De la Cruz, after a month of treating knee inflammation , returned in the second half against Inter, but remains under medical care. Until now, Allan and Evertton Araújo had been alternating, without establishing themselves.

DECISION IN THE LIBERTADORES

Saúl's strong performance comes at a crucial moment. Flamengo will decide its place in the Libertadores quarterfinals this Wednesday (21), at 9:30 pm, again against Internacional, at Beira-Rio. After winning the first leg 1-0, Flamengo qualifies with a draw . A one-goal defeat takes the match to penalties; two or more goals eliminate the Rio de Janeiro team.