Black red can lose by up to three goals difference that still qualify
Flamengo and Grêmio return to face this Wednesday, at 9:30 pm (Brasilia time), at Maracanã. The match is valid for the return of the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil and will decide who will advance to the semifinals of the competition. The team that advances will face Athletico-PR, which last Tuesday (14) defeated Santos by 1-0.
After winning the first leg by 4-0 in Porto Alegre, Flamengo has a reinforced advantage in the confrontation. The team from Rio can lose by up to three goals difference, which, even so, qualifies. As the Copa do Brasil has no away goal rule, Grêmio only advances if they win by five goals or more. In case of a tricolor victory by four goals, the decision will be on penalties.
The game has gained a chapter of its own in recent days. Flamengo managed to get clearance to use up to 35% of the stadium’s capacity – until Tuesday, around 5,000 tickets, out of a total load of 24,533, removed and sold. Grêmio tried in the STJD to prohibit the presence of fans, but was unsuccessful. The event in Maracanã will have the presence of the public, for the first time since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
Embezzlement against Palmeiras, in the game for the Brazilian Championship, Gabigol returns to the team. The striker recovered from muscle pain and trained normally with the group. In addition to him, Rodrigo Caio and Renê are also returning and should be in the starting line-up. Other casualties, however, remain. These are the cases of Filipe Luis, Diego and Arrascaeta, injured, and Bruno Henrique, who is still recovering from a thigh injury. Goalkeeper Diego Alves and midfielder Willian Arão could be spared for today’s game.
Grêmio comes to Rio with a modified time. Five holders didn’t even travel to Rio, three of them by technical choice: Thiago Santos, Ferreira and Alisson. Right-back Vanderson is suspended and defender Ruan cannot play in the Copa do Brasil due to registration. Kannemann returns to play in defense and Borja and Villasanti are back in the starting lineup.
