Flamengo prepares for semifinal against Vasco with possible returns from injured players

Pre-called to the Brazilian national team, Samuel Lino did not hide his enthusiasm for the moment he is experiencing at Flamengo . After qualifying for the quarterfinals of the Libertadores , the striker was asked about his decision to return to South American football and did not spare praise for the Rio de Janeiro club.

Samuel Lino: "I see Flamengo above many European teams"

"Every player has their own goals and dreams. Flamengo is a gigantic club, offering great conditions and structure . This attracts many players from Europe. Today, I see Flamengo above many European teams and as a giant in South America," the player said in the mixed zone at Beira-Rio. The statement reinforces his decision to leave Atlético de Madrid, a move he says has already proven to be the right one.

CAST POWERED BY FILIPE LUÍS

In addition to the structure, Samuel Lino highlighted Filipe Luís's role in his performance. At Atlético, he worked with Diego Simeone in a more defensive system , but at Flamengo, he found a model that values his attacking skills.

"Filipe Luís is a young, promising coach who has already won titles and has a style of play that is very appealing. He's an attacking, pressing, possession-based model, unlike Simeone , who prioritizes defensive consistency. I see a great future in him and I'm very happy to work with this system," he added.

FLAMENGO FAVORITE IN THE LIBERTADORES

With a spot in the quarterfinals secured, Flamengo will face Estudiantes. If they qualify, they will face Racing or Vélez in the semifinals. This favorable draw, combined with recent performance, makes Flamengo the main favorite for the title according to bookmakers, who further reduced the odds after the victory over Internacional.

Flamengo secured a place in the quarterfinals of the Libertadores by beating Internacional 2-0 last Wednesday (20), at Beira-Rio. With just under a month to go until the start of the next phase, coach Filipe Luís is already planning a possible major reinforcement: midfielder Erick Pulgar .

Filipe Luís on Flamengo in the Libertadores quarterfinals: "My hope is to recover Pulgar"

Out of action since June 26, when he faced Bayern Munich (GER) in the Club World Cup, Pulgar is recovering from a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot . According to the coach, the Chilean is expected to be fully recovered by September.

"I didn't know there was a month left (until the quarterfinals against Estudiantes). My thoughts are on Vitória, which is the next game . But since there's a month left, my hope is to get Pulgar back. He might be back in a month. Until then, a lot can happen," said Filipe Luís.

THE FLEECE INJURY

The midfielder suffered the fracture after a challenge with Harry Kane in the round of 16 of the World Cup. The injury required surgery in Chile, unlike in 2023 , when the player also fractured the same metatarsal but opted for conservative treatment. On that occasion, he returned to action in about 60 days.

Now, after the surgery, the recovery time is longer. Pulgar is expected to return to the field only in the second half of September , a total absence of about two and a half months. There's also a possibility that the midfielder will only return in October.

LIBERTADORES: DATES SET FOR THE WEDNESDAY FINALS

With victories over Internacional in the round of 16, Flamengo will face Estudiantes de La Plata (ARG) in the quarterfinals . The first leg is scheduled for September 16-18 at the Maracanã, while the return leg is scheduled for September 23-25 in Argentina.

NEXT CHALLENGE IN THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

While without Pulgar, Flamengo turns its attention to the Brazilian Championship . Next Monday (25), the team faces Vitória, at Maracanã, at 9 pm (Brasília time), for the 21st round of the competition.

Flamengo is qualified for the quarterfinals of the Libertadores . After beating Internacional 2-0 at Beira-Rio, this Wednesday (20), Rubro-Negro confirmed the spot with 3-0 on aggregate and will now face Estudiantes de La Plata (ARG) , who eliminated Cerro Porteño (PAR).

DATES SET BY CONMEBOL

CONMEBOL has set the window for the next stage. The first match between Flamengo and Estudiantes will take place between September 16th and 18th in Rio de Janeiro. The return leg, in La Plata, is scheduled for the 23rd and 25th of the same month. Having performed better in the group stage, the Argentine team will have the advantage of playing at home.

THE QUARTERLY KEY

Besides the match between Flamengo and Estudiantes, the other quarterfinal matches follow the same schedule, but with no set dates yet and three teams still to qualify. The bracket is as follows :

• Sao Paulo x (winner of Botafogo x LDU)
• (Winner of Libertad vs River Plate) vs (Winner of Palmeiras vs Universitario)
• Racing x Vélez Sarsfield
• Students vs Flamengo

THE GRAND FINAL

Flamengo's goal is to win its fourth continental championship. The Copa Libertadores final is scheduled for November 29th at the Monumental Stadium in Lima, Peru, the historic site of the 2019 title victory over River Plate, a final that has a chance of being repeated.

NEXT APPOINTMENT

Before returning to the field for the South American tournament, Flamengo remains focused on the Brasileirão. On Monday (25), the Mais Querido faces Vitória, at Maracanã, at 9 pm (Brasília time) , in a duel valid for the 21st round. Mengão is the leader of the competition with 43 points, four more than Palmeiras, in second place.