Flamengo will face off with Corinthians in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals on Tuesday in Brazil. The home side go into the fixture with a two-goal advantage after winning 2-0 away at Corinthians in the first leg.
Big Mengo go into the game with one foot in the semifinal already. Dorival Junior’s team has been brilliant in the Copa Libertadores. Flamengo took 16 points from 18 points on offer in the group stage. They scored 15 times and conceded six goals.
Corinthians, on the other hand, struggled through the group stage and the last 16 to get to this point. The Almighty finished second in their group with nine points from 18 points on offer.
After coming second to Boca Juniors in the group, Corinthians faced the Argentines in the last 16. Both matches ended nil-nil and Corinthians progressed thanks to a 6-5 penalty shootout win.
The first leg of the quarterfinals saw Flamengo post an easy as you like 2-0 win. Giorgian De Arrascaeta scored the game’s opening goal in the first half and Gabriel added a second just after halftime.
Flamengo are unbeaten in eight straight games going into the quarterfinal second leg. Big Mengo have a strong head-to-head record against Corinthians in the team’s last 11 games. Flamengo have a record of 9W-1D-1L across the last 11 matches versus Corinthians.
The last three games between these Brazilian rivals in all competitions finished with under 2.5 goals. The last three games also ended with NO both teams scoring.
Corinthians manager Vitor Pereira has a number of injuries going into the game this week. Up to seven players could miss out including Raul Gustavo, Carlos Miguel, Willian, Maycon, Gustavo Mantuan, Luan, and Ruben Oliveira. Only Oliveira, Miguel, and Luan are likely to make the team.
Flamengo coach Junior has three players on the injury list going into the game this week. Goalkeeper Diego Alves has a groin injury and could miss the game. Defender Rodrigo Caio is a doubt with a knee injury. Forward Bruno Henrique is ruled out with an injury.
Flamengo have won foot in the semifinals. Big Mengo should seal their progression to the next round with a victory against Corinthians. Flamengo should post a 1-0 win and qualify for the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores.
Gabriel got on the scoresheet in the first leg and could do it again. Corinthians failed to score in five of their nine Copa Libertadores matches this season and they will fail once more in the second leg with Flamengo.