With the Maracanã packed and with the passport to the final practically stamped, Flamengo welcomes Vélez Sarsfield this Wednesday, at 21:30 (Brasília time), to decide who advances to the Libertadores final. As they won 4-0 in Argentina, the red-black team has a wide advantage and can even lose by three goals. The Argentines need to score the net by a five-goal difference if they want to advance. Victory for Vélez by four goals takes the decision to penalties.
The winner faces Athletico-PR, who eliminated Palmeiras after a 2-2 draw in São Paulo on Tuesday. In a single game, the decision will be played on October 29, in Ecuador.
Coach Dorival Júnior’s team has been undefeated for 16 games and has the chance to reach the third Libertadores final in four years. Because of suspensions and suspended athletes, the team will have changes in relation to the game at José Amalfitani.
Without David Luiz and Léo Pereira, suspended, Dorival Júnior will select the defense duo Fabrício Bruno and Pablo. As the advantage is large, the tendency is that Gabigol and Thiago Maia, who are hanging, are not even related because of the risk of being suspended for the final.
Spared against Ceará because of a trauma to his right foot in the match in Argentina, Arrascaeta is among the likely to start the game. He did not participate in Tuesday’s training, but his participation is planned.
In search of a miracle at Maracanã, Vélez traveled to Rio de Janeiro with 25 players. Over the weekend, the team lost another one at Argentino, this time to Newell’s Old Boys, and fans protested over the poor results and the second-to-last place in the championship.
Flamengo and Velez Sarsfield Retrospect
Of course, the teams faced each other only 11 times. Thus, the carioca club has the advantage in the number of victories, with seven triumphs, against two draws and two more defeats.
Both Teams Score – Yes
With both teams going out for the game, we should have plenty of chances. So, with two offensive squads, we can have a good game and a score in the match.
Flamengo’s Goals In The Game – More Than 1.5
Finally, the Rubro-Negro Negro goes confidently into the game. Well, he has been doing good performances and has the support of the defense, which has been playing good games.
Last five matches
Initially, Flamengo has a great phase, having only two draws in the last games, against Palmeiras and Ceará. Thus, he won Athletico-PR, São Paulo and Botafogo.
Visitors, on the other hand, are not having a good time. So, the team drew four times, with Independiente, Gimnasia, Sarmiento and with Independiente besides losing to Aldosivi.
