Everything defined! Flamengo decides Copa do Brasil title away from home against Atlético-MG

Coach Filipe Luís will have an extra challenge in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores. Against Internacional, this Wednesday (13) , at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, Mengão will enter the field with significant losses that could change the team's tactical pattern.

One of the pillars of the Flamengo midfield, Erick Pulgar, is out of the match due to recovery from surgery on the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot. He is still on a rehabilitation schedule and has no immediate return date.

In defense, Danilo will be absent, having suffered a hamstring injury in his right thigh . Despite progress in his treatment and already undergoing physical therapy on the field, the defender is not expected to be available until the next Brazilian Championship match.

ARRASCAETA SUSPENDED

The midfield also lacks creativity with the absence of Arrascaeta . The Uruguayan is suspended after receiving his third yellow card in the last round of the group stage, against Deportivo Táchira (VEN).

DE LA CRUZ IS STILL UNCERTAINTY

The only doubt on the list is Nico De La Cruz . The number 18 has not played since July 16 due to pain in his left knee , but participated in collective training last Monday (11). Confirmation of his presence should happen after the activity this Tuesday (12). If he is released, he could be a key piece in the offensive creation.

After almost a month away from the pitch due to a problem in his left knee, Nico De La Cruz returned to work with the main squad this week. The Uruguayan midfielder's participation in training created an expectation among the fans for this Wednesday's (13) match, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), against Internacional, at Maracanã, for the round of 16 of the Libertadores.

Despite his physical development, the number 18 is still not guaranteed a presence. The decision should be made this Wednesday afternoon (13) , when the coaching staff will announce those involved in the game. If he is released, De La Cruz should be an option on the bench.

MICHAEL MAY BE NEW

Striker Michael is recovered and ready to be selected for the match against Internacional. However, he is seeking other teams to negotiate with and has been cleared by the board and coaching staff to remain on the sidelines while awaiting a transfer.

CONFIRMED SHORTAGES

De La Cruz's potential return comes at a difficult time for the squad, which will already be without Erick Pulgar and Danilo due to injuries. Arrascaeta is also suspended after receiving his third yellow card in the final round of the group stage against Deportivo Táchira (VEN).

MATCH DETAILS

The duel between Flamengo and Internacional starts at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), with live broadcast on Rede Globo, on open TV, and on Disney+, via streaming. The return match is scheduled for next Wednesday (20), at Beira-Rio Stadium, in Porto Alegre.

For presenter Neto, Corinthians, which announced the signing of former Mengão player Vitinho , should be inspired by Flamengo's defensive solidity . The statement came after the São Paulo club's 2-1 defeat to Juventude last Monday (11), a result that kept the team with 22 points — 18 less than the Brasileirão leader.

Neto on Flamengo's defensive consistency: "How do these guys do it?"

"Football is played in a way you have to understand. Look at Flamengo at home. Do you know how many goals Flamengo conceded at Maracanã? Two goals. Two goals, that's impressive . So, wait a minute. How do these guys do it? Because there's something different about it," Neto pointed out during Band's Os Donos da Bola program.

THE CONTEXT

So far, Corinthians has conceded 23 goals in 19 matches in the Brazilian Championship. When analyzing the defensive performance in the loss to Juventude, Neto was full of criticism, using expressions like "dead," "nasty," "tiriça," and "poorly positioned" to describe the team's performance during the goals conceded at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium.

FLAMENGO DEFENSE IN NUMBERS

With a game in hand over Corinthians, Flamengo has conceded just eight goals in the Brasileirão, two of them at the Maracanã . This defensive performance has helped Flamengo maintain its lead, with 40 points, three more than the team in second place.

INSPIRATION IN RUBRO-NEGRO

Along with Neto, Romeu Tuma Jr., president of Corinthians' Deliberative Council, also advocated for the club to follow Flamengo's example: "Corinthians needs to turn the page and rise from the ashes. I want to fly like an eagle; we want to be Flamengo, and we will be, " the director stated.