Internacional vs Flamengo and Estudiantes vs Cerro Porteño liven up the Libertadores night

Sunderland beat West Ham 3-0 last Saturday (16) at the Stadium of Light, in the opening round of the Premier League. On the London side, Lucas Paquetá, a Flamengo product, tried to take on the role of main articulator, but was unable to avoid defeat. With his future still uncertain , coach Graham Potter continues to treat the Brazilian as a key player for the season, according to information from journalist Fabrizio Romano .

Fabrizio Romano on the former Flamengo player: "Graham Potter made clear to West Ham his desire to keep Lucas Paquetá"

The statement contrasts with the news published by the same journalist on Friday (15), that the number 10 was evaluating proposals to leave the club during this window. Romano even published: "Graham Potter made clear to West Ham his desire to keep Lucas Paquetá. The coach also spoke with the player, who has been considering proposals for weeks , but has the coach's full confidence."

CAREER AT WEST HAM

At the club since 2022, Paquetá has a contract until 2026 and is considered the most technical player in midfield, with the versatility to play as a defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder, or even on the wings. In 2023, he was a target of Manchester City, receiving public praise from Pep Guardiola . Talks progressed but cooled after allegations of betting manipulation.

BRAZILIAN NATIONAL TEAM

During the investigation, the former Flamengo player was overlooked by Fernando Diniz, Dorival Júnior, and Carlo Ancelotti, who chose not to call him up . Even so, they all emphasized that the player remains a high-level option for the national team.

PAQUETA CASE

Despite being acquitted by the Football Association (FA) of match-fixing charges, Paquetá was found guilty of failing to cooperate with the proceedings by refusing to provide requested information. His sentence has not yet been determined, but he is expected to receive a fine, which may or may not be paid by West Ham, but there is no chance of a suspension.

One of Flamengo's biggest moves in 2025 was the signing of Jorginho, formerly of Arsenal (ENG). The number 21 quickly adapted to Filipe Luís's system and has already established himself as a starter in the Flamengo midfield. In an interview with ESPN, coach Mikel Arteta, who managed the Italian-Brazilian in England, recalled conversations with the player before his transfer to the Rio de Janeiro club .

Arteta talks about Jorginho at Flamengo: "He had a very clear desire to end his career in Brazil"

"We had several conversations to understand how far we wanted to go together, or not. He was very clear about his desire to finish his career in Brazil; he was waiting for an opportunity. When it came, I saw him very convinced, at every level ," Arteta said, before adding:

"First on a personal level, with his family, and then on a professional level, returning to compete in the country of his birth. It was an honor for me to have him here. I made the most of my day-to-day life with him, not only as a player , but also as a person and a leader . I wish him all the best," concluded the coach.

WHEN DID FLAMENGO HIRE JORGINHO?

Flamengo officially announced Jorginho's arrival in June 2025, with the Club World Cup in mind. The club didn't have to pay Arsenal, as the player had already terminated his contract with the English club . Since then, the midfielder has played 13 games, scored one goal, and provided two assists.

WHAT IS FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME?

With Jorginho available, Flamengo returns to the field this Wednesday (20) to face Internacional, at Beira-Rio, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores . Mengão only needs a draw to qualify for the quarterfinals.

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 .