LIBERTADORES: FELIPE MELO PREFERS TO AVOID CONFRONTATION WITH FLAMENGO IN THE Round of 16

Flamengo began this Tuesday (16) the preparation for the match against Estudiantes , valid for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. The activity takes place in the morning, at 9:30 am (Brasília time) , under the command of assistant Filipe Luís, responsible for leading the training of the red-black squad.

After training, goalkeeper Rossi will participate in a press conference scheduled for 12 p.m. (Brasília time). He is expected to comment on the team's preparation and projections for the decisive match at Maracanã. The broadcast will be on Flamengo TV.

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ROSSI HAS BEEN IN THE SPOTLIGHT

The Argentine has been a key player in Flamengo's campaign in the 2025 Copa Libertadores . In eight matches played in the current edition of the tournament, Rossi has accumulated 720 minutes on the field, conceding only three goals . Flamengo has won five games, drawn two, and lost only one with him in goal.

Flamengo faces Estudiantes this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. The duel marks the beginning of the knockout stage in the quarterfinals of the continental competition . The match will be broadcast live on ESPN, on pay TV, and on Disney+ for streaming.

Flamengo resumed training this Tuesday (16), at Ninho do Urubu, with an eye on the duel against Estudiantes (ARG), for the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. The training session led by Filipe Luís began at 9:30 am (Brasília time). After the activity, goalkeeper Rossi will give a press conference , scheduled for 11:30 am.

TOTAL FOCUS ON THE LIBERTADORES

Flamengo 's next match takes place on Thursday (18), when they host Estudiantes at Maracanã, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time). The first leg of the quarterfinals will be broadcast on ESPN (pay TV) and Disney+ (streaming) .

Rubro-Negro is seeking its fourth Libertadores title in 2025. The club has already lifted the trophy three times: 1981, 2019 and 2022. To reach the quarterfinals, the team eliminated Internacional, winning both games: 1-0 at Beira-Rio and 2-0 at Maracanã . After the first leg in Rio de Janeiro, the decision for qualification will be on September 25th, in La Plata, Argentina.

ROSSI'S NUMBERS IN THE LIBERTADORES

Rossi has been a key player in the campaign. The goalkeeper has played eight matches in the current season, totaling 720 minutes on the field . During this period, Flamengo has achieved five wins, two draws, and only one loss.

The number 1 conceded just three goals in the competition, solidifying his position as one of the team's defensive pillars . Despite this, Mengão's campaign in the competition so far has been inconsistent, with a loss to Central Córdoba and a second-place finish in their group.

With a great goal at the end, Gabigol secured Cruzeiro's 2-1 victory over Bahia, on Monday night (15), at Arena Fonte Nova . The result kept the Minas Gerais team firm in the fight for the leadership of the Brasileirão , currently occupied by Flamengo.

Agitated second half

The first half was evenly balanced, with few clear-cut chances for either side. After the break, Bahia surged forward and opened the scoring in the 20th minute. In a swift counterattack, former Flamengo player Jean Lucas received the ball at the edge of the box and shot into the bottom right corner of Cássio's net , putting the home side ahead.

MINAS REACTION

Trailing, Cruzeiro made changes that changed the course of the game. The introduction of Sinisterra and Gabigol gave the team a boost. In the 31st minute, Matheus Pereira made a great individual play, dribbling past two defenders, and hitting the post . Sinisterra capitalized on the rebound to equalize.

GABIGOL'S GREAT GOAL

The equalizer lifted the spirits of the Minas Gerais team, who went in search of a comeback. In the 40th minute, Gabigol received the ball in space in midfield and unleashed a left-footed volley . The ball went straight into the top corner, a stunning goal that sealed Cruzeiro's victory. In celebration, the forward removed his shirt and was subsequently booked.

CLASSIFICATION

With the win, Cruzeiro reached 47 points in 23 games, moving into second place. Flamengo remains the undisputed leader with 50 points and a game in hand . Palmeiras is also in contention, with 46 points and two games in hand.