Flamengo defends unbeaten record against Botafogo – See the numbers

Flamengo showed strength and organization from the opening whistle to defeat Internacional in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores Round of 16, controlling the action against the Colorado team in a packed Maracanã stadium. Just 12 minutes in, Luiz Araújo nearly opened the scoring with a powerful shot saved by Rochet . The pressure continued, and Filipe Luís 's team maintained possession, preventing the Gauchos from creating opportunities.

The reward came in the 27th minute: a corner kick from Luiz Araújo found Bruno Henrique , who rose above the Colorado defense and headed the ball firmly into the right corner, opening the scoring. The offensive dominance continued until halftime, but without extending the lead, while Rossi didn't have to work in the first 45 minutes.

SECOND HALF HAS A DROP IN PACE

In the final stage, the pace of the match slowed, and Internacional managed to balance the action more , but with little effectiveness. The coach made changes to revive the team, bringing on Everton, Carrascal, and Pedro, among others.

The red-and-black defense, well-positioned, managed to neutralize the opposing attempts. Rossi was solid on the few occasions he was called upon, including with crosses and shots from mid-range. Up front, Bruno Henrique and Luiz Araújo continued to try to extend the lead, but their chances failed to convert.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT COMMITMENT

Next Sunday (17), Flamengo will face Internacional again, this time for the Brazilian Championship. Soon after, the return match on the day (20), for the most important competition in South America.

In the duel this Wednesday (13) for the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores , full-back Emerson Royal suffered a sprain in his left ankle at the beginning of the first half and had to be substituted at half-time. The player's performance was marked by difficulties, even hearing boos from part of the fans present at Maracanã.

With the departure of the number 2, Varela was called upon to fill in at right back. The Uruguayan, who is in negotiations for a contract extension, came in to reinforce the marking and provide greater stability to the defensive sector.

CARRASCAL MAKES HIS FIRST MATCH

Coach Filipe Luís took advantage of the match to promote the debut of Colombian Jorge Carrascal, who wore the Mais Querido jersey for the first time . The attacking midfielder was closely watched by the fans and the coaching staff , on a debut night that marked his inclusion in the red-and-black squad.

Flamengo is looking to take advantage of the advantage in the first leg to arrive calmly for the return match, which will be played in Rio Grande do Sul, next Wednesday (20).

INTERNACIONAL IS AN OPPONENT AGAIN

Before meeting Colorado again in the Libertadores , the team led by Filipe Luís will have another commitment against the same rival. Next Sunday (17), the teams face each other in the Brazilian Championship , again in a match that promises intensity and direct dispute for important points in the table.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti is back in the country after two months and is already preparing to announce his second squad for the Brazilian national team on the 25th. Twenty-three players will be called up for the final rounds of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Brazil secured its spot in the World Cup by beating Paraguay in June.

In the first call-up under his command, the coach included five athletes who defended Flamengo: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Léo Ortiz, Wesley and Gerson , the last two of whom left the club in the last transfer window.

TECHNICIAN FOLLOWS CLOSELY

During his time away from Brazil, Ancelotti met with the director of national teams, Rodrigo Caetano, and the technical manager, Juan, in the United States. The meeting took place on July 13th, while he was watching the Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

FLAMENGO SEEKS ADVANTAGE

Ancelotti's return coincides with a crucial night at Maracanã. Mengão faces Internacional in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16, seeking a positive result to comfortably travel to Rio Grande do Sul for the return leg.

Next Sunday (17), Flamengo will face Internacional again , but this time for the Brazilian Championship . Soon after, the return match on the day (20), for the most important competition in South America.