Soccer

Victory or nothing: LDU challenges Flamengo counting on its fierce defensive line - journalist analyzes

Confrontation at Ecuadorian altitude promises balance, with pressure on LDU's side after an irregular start to the 2025 season, Mais Querido faces

Alex Arce and Gonzalo Valle are LDU's standouts for the decisive clash against Flamengo at altitude in Quito for the 2025 Libertadores. (Photo/Instagram)
Alex Arce and Gonzalo Valle are LDU's standouts for the decisive clash against Flamengo at altitude in Quito for the 2025 Libertadores. (Photo/Instagram)

20 Abr 2025 | 19:59 |

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LDU hosts Flamengo this Tuesday (22), at 7pm (Brasília time), in a crucial match for the group stage of the Libertadores. Playing at home, the Ecuadorians are under pressure due to an unstable start to the season , well below their performance in recent years . Even so, they have key players that could make life difficult for Filipe Luís ' team.




The defense has been LDU's point of balance. According to journalist Karol Chamorro, from the website Ecuagol, the presence of defender Ricardo Adé is crucial for the consistency of the defense, while in the attack the highlight is Alex Arce, responsible for most of the team's goals. "The defense, when Adé is there, is solid. And up front, Arce is the one who solves the problem", she highlighted.



VALLE IS THE CHOSEN ONE TO PLAY GOAL IN THE LIBERTADORES


Another name mentioned by Karol is goalkeeper Gonzalo Valle , who has been a regular in the Libertadores, while Domínguez only plays in local tournaments. For the match against Mengão, Valle is expected to be in the starting eleven. “He stood out in the first two rounds of the competition. He is reliable, inspires confidence and has played well,” commented the reporter.


With this base formed by Adé, Arce and Valle, the team seeks to maintain balance in a group that became even more tangled after the Brazilian team's surprising defeat to Central Córdoba in the previous round. The stumble put extra pressure on Mais Querido, who needs to score points away from home to avoid complications.

DROP IN INCOME IN 2025 IS A WARNING


Despite having maintained good levels in recent years, winning the national championship twice, LDU is going through a transition period in 2025. The team has lost important players, such as midfielder Ezequiel Piovi, who played a leadership and tactical organization role . “Without Piovi, the midfield was left without a brain. He distributed the game and thought ahead. That hasn’t been replaced yet,” reported Karol.



Soccer

Filipe Luís praises Saúl and highlights the best version of the Flamengo midfielder

Coach highlights dedication and evolution of the Spaniard, who is in a high-performance phase after arriving at the club and an outstanding performance against Juventude

Filipe Luís praises Saúl after Flamengo's victory, highlighting the Spaniard's dedication and recovery - photo: reproduction
Filipe Luís praises Saúl after Flamengo's victory, highlighting the Spaniard's dedication and recovery - photo: reproduction

14 Set 2025 | 19:56 |

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After the away win over Juventude , Filipe Luís took advantage of the press conference to discuss Saúl's current form. The Spaniard has been one of the team's standouts this season , contributing assists, marking, and attacking presence. For the coach, the midfielder is enjoying the peak of his career and is a model of professionalism.


"We're seeing the best Saúl . Perhaps the best Saúl of his career. That's thanks to him and, obviously, to the club for believing in and being able to recapture this player's potential. Everyone knows about his career and the crucial role he played wherever he went , especially at Atlético Madrid. But recapturing the best Saúl was a challenge, and it was up to him," he said before concluding.


" He's at a very high level. I think having a son is always a great motivator . I also didn't expect that after all this effort, waking up at 4 a.m., catching two flights, and playing here for 90 minutes, he would play with such quality. He's a unique player, and we're very lucky to have him here with us," said Filipe Luís.


DEDICATION AND OVERCOMING

Saúl was one of the players responsible for the decisive pass that led to the first goal in the victory against Juventude and has been consistently performing in various competitions. According to members of the football department, his dedication to training and his quick adaptation to the club have been key factors in his improved performance.


FLAMENGO REMAINS LEADER

With Filipe Luís at the helm, Mengão has 50 points in the Brazilian Championship and still has a game in hand . Their next match will be in the Libertadores, against Estudiantes, on Thursday at 9:30 pm at Maracanã.


Soccer

Filipe Luís admits Flamengo's total focus on the Libertadores: "They're a great opponent..."

The coach of Mais Querido highlights the importance of the quarterfinals of the international competition, but explains that he only started thinking about the duel with Estudiantes

Filipe Luís highlights the importance of the game against Estudiantes after Mais Querido's victory over Juventude and remains focused on planning - photo: reproduction
Filipe Luís highlights the importance of the game against Estudiantes after Mais Querido's victory over Juventude and remains focused on planning - photo: reproduction

14 Set 2025 | 19:45 |

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After Flamengo's victory over Juventude at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, which ended a 28-year drought, Filipe Luís made a point of keeping his feet on the ground when discussing the upcoming Libertadores challenge . While acknowledging the magnitude of the quarterfinal match against Estudiantes, the coach emphasized that all his preparation up to that point had been focused on the Brazilian Championship.


"You're right when you say it's the most important game of the year. For me, it is. Given the importance of the Libertadores quarterfinals against Estudiantes. After the incredible season we've had, of course it's the most important game of the year. But honestly, I only prepared for the Juventude game. I did everything thinking about how to beat Juventude," he said before concluding.


"Starting tomorrow, we'll begin studying and working to determine the best solutions to face Estudiantes. They're undoubtedly a formidable opponent, especially since they're one of the Argentine teams that competes so well. We have Central Córdoba in the group stage as an example," said the coach.


GREAT VICTORY IN THE SOUTH

With the positive result in Caxias do Sul, Flamengo reached 50 points in the Brasileirão and maintained its sole lead, with a game in hand over second-place Palmeiras. Cruzeiro is in third place and could close the gap in the standings. The match against Estudiantes is scheduled for Thursday at 9:30 pm at Maracanã.


FILIPE LUÍS'S FAREWELL?

When asked about the offer from Fenerbahçe of Turkey, Filipe Luís said he was flattered by the foreign interest , but emphasized that it wasn't the right time to leave. The coach revealed he was clear about his professional goals and emphasized that he was focused on his current job.




Soccer

Emerson Royal celebrates his first goal for Flamengo: "I've been working hard..."

Right-back scores for the first time with Manto Sagrado in the away win; Arrascaeta equals the goalscoring record and Mengão remains firmly at the top

Emerson Royal celebrates his first goal with the Sacred Mantle in the Mais Querido's victory over Juventude - photo: Flamengo
Emerson Royal celebrates his first goal with the Sacred Mantle in the Mais Querido's victory over Juventude - photo: Flamengo

14 Set 2025 | 19:28 |

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Flamengo defeated Juventude at the Alfredo Jaconi stadium, ending a 28-year winless streak at the stadium. The second goal of the 2-0 victory was scored by Emerson Royal, who scored his first goal for the Manto Sagrado . The full-back celebrated the feat after the match, highlighting the specific training for this type of play.


" Definitely. I've been working hard all week on that play in the second half. I tell Lino to put that ball in the second half. And today, thank God, I was happy with the goal ," said the player.


CARRASCAL FINDS ROYAL FREE


Despite his chemistry with Samuel Lino, it was Jorge Carrascal who set up Emerson Royal. The Colombian delivered a precise cross, finding the full-back behind the opposing defense to double the lead . The first goal had been scored by Arrascaeta , who reached his 18th goal of the season, tying his personal best.

"He's a player who needs no introduction. We know Arrasca's quality . Any player can make a difference for us. So, a player of his quality is a privilege for us," Royal praised his teammate.


MENGÃO MAINTAINS THE LEADERSHIP

Under Filipe Luís, Flamengo has reached 50 points in the Brazilian Championship and still has a game in hand. Palmeiras is in second place with 46 points and two games remaining, while Cruzeiro has 44 and could close the gap. Flamengo's next match will be in the Copa Libertadores, this Thursday at 9:30 pm, against Estudiantes at Maracanã.


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