By Gustavo Castilho
Athletico-PR, Santos, and Flamengo step into the field today with an eye on the classification.
Flamengo receives Racing (ARG), at 21:30, Brasília time, at Maracanã. The team works to assure the return of defender Rodrigo Caio and striker Pedro, both recovering from injury. Gabigol is out of the game due to an injury. For the Racing side, Augusto Solari and Darío Cvitanich, are out due to injury. Cristaldo, on the other hand, does not play due to Covid-19. In the game in Argentina, the score was tied at 1 to 1. As in Libertadores the goal away advantage is in place, a score of 0 x 0 classifies Flamengo. A tie for two or more goals takes Racing to the next stage. Whoever passes will face the winner of the Internacional and Boca Junior (ARG) game.
Earlier, at 19h15, it is Santos’ turn to receive the LDU (EQU), at Vila Belmiro. The team from São Paulo will have part of the squad back, although Vladir, Sánchez and Rainel are still out. The LDU lacks 5 players in the squad for the next game. At altitude, the Peixe won by 2 to 1. The winner here faces whoever passes in the confrontation between Grêmio and Guaraní (PAR). Santos will only be eliminated if they are defeated by two or more goals difference or lose by a 3 to 2 score.
At the same time, it is Athleitco-PR’s turn to face River Plate (ARG), in Argentina. The Covid-19 outbreak still disturbs the Parana club, since they will enter the field without a goalkeeper on the bench. Of the five registered goalkeepers, three have coronavirus, and the fourth is currently loaned. Bento will be the starter for the third straight game. In addition to the problems under the goal, the hurricane still has a series of absences in the squad, either by Covid-19 or due to injury. River comes with maximum strength. In Paraná the game ended in a 1-1 draw. A goalless draw classifies the Argentines and with two or more goals is the hurricane that moves on. In the next phase, Independiente Del Valle (EQU) or Nacional (URU) will be the opponent.
