The match between Internacional and Flamengo, valid for the second leg of the 2025 Conmebol Libertadores round of 16, faced an unusual delay at Beira-Rio Stadium in Porto Alegre on Wednesday, August 20, at 9:30 PM. The traditional shower of confetti from the Colorado fans, who filled the stadium with 48,000 supporters, turned the pitch into a white carpet, preventing the game from starting on time. Stadium staff used blowers to clear the field, but the wet grass caused the paper to stick, leading to a five-minute delay. The match, crucial for determining the quarterfinalist, sees Flamengo with a 1-0 lead from the first leg, while Inter aims to overturn the score. The unusual situation sparked reactions among fans and highlighted the passion of the Gaucho supporters.
The incident occurred before the opening whistle as players warmed up. The refereeing team, led by Uruguayan Esteban Ostojich, identified the issue and ordered the field to be cleared. The fans, who created a vibrant atmosphere with the traditional “fire street” during the team’s arrival, kept the energy high in the stands despite the interruption. The event organizers now face questions about preventing similar issues in future matches.
- Delay details: The confetti, thrown in large quantities, covered the pitch.
- Immediate action: Two Inter staff members used blowers to try to clear the field.
- Game impact: The refereeing team delayed the start until the cleanup was complete.
- Pitch condition: The wet grass made paper removal difficult.
This clash marks the third meeting between the teams in just eight days, following Flamengo’s 1-0 win in the first leg at Maracanã and a 3-1 victory in the Brasileirão last Sunday, also at Beira-Rio.
Pitch under pressure: the cleanup challenge
The delay caused by the confetti is not an isolated incident in South American football but underscores the intensity of Internacional’s fanbase. The “fire street,” with flares and chants, created a visual spectacle before the game, but the excess confetti caused complications. Stadium staff worked against the clock, using blowers and manual sweepers, while players exchanged passes to stay warm. The situation drew criticism toward the event’s organization, which failed to anticipate the impact of the wet pitch, worsened by recent rains in Porto Alegre.
The refereeing team, consisting of Esteban Ostojich and assistants Carlos Barreiro and Agustín Berisso, closely monitored the cleanup process. The VAR, led by Andres Cunha, also ensured the game started under proper conditions. The brief delay disrupted the pre-game rhythm, with players visibly impatient on the field.
- Staff effort: Workers raced against time to clear the pitch.
- Adverse conditions: The wet grass complicated confetti removal.
- Crowd atmosphere: Fans maintained high energy despite the delay.
The incident reignites discussions about balancing passionate fan displays with the logistics of sporting events, especially in high-stakes competitions like the Libertadores.
Match context: who advances?
The Beira-Rio clash is decisive for Internacional and Flamengo’s ambitions in the 2025 Libertadores. The Rubro-Negro, leaders of the Brasileirão, arrive on a five-game unbeaten streak, including four wins. With a 1-0 lead from the first leg, scored by Bruno Henrique, Filipe Luís’ team needs only a draw to reach the quarterfinals. Inter, coached by Roger Machado, requires a two-goal victory to advance directly or a one-goal win to force penalties.
Flamengo’s lineup features key returns. Arrascaeta, suspended in the first leg, rejoins the midfield alongside Saúl and Jorginho. In attack, Bruno Henrique, known for shining in knockout games, is the main hope, with 16 goal involvements in 21 Libertadores knockout matches. Inter bets on Alan Patrick’s return, rested last game, and the debut of Carbonero, recovered from injury, as potential game-changers.
- Flamengo’s advantage: A draw secures the Rubro-Negro’s qualification.
- Inter’s challenge: A two-goal win is needed to avoid penalties.
- Key players: Arrascaeta and Bruno Henrique for Flamengo; Alan Patrick for Inter.
- Prize at stake: The quarterfinal spot is worth US$1.7 million (R$9.18 million).
The Colorado crowd, with 48,000 voices, promises to turn Beira-Rio into a cauldron, hoping to inspire the team to overturn the score.
Rivalry and historical context
Internacional and Flamengo share a balanced history, with 92 matches played: 33 Inter wins, 32 Flamengo victories, and 27 draws. The rivalry gained new chapters in 2025, with three clashes in quick succession. In the Brasileirão’s first round, the teams drew 1-1, but Flamengo won the next two encounters, including a 3-1 victory last Sunday, with two goals from Pedro and one from Plata.
Inter, however, has reasons to believe in a comeback. In the Libertadores group stage, the Colorado topped Group F with three wins, two draws, and two losses, showing strength in key moments. Flamengo, second in Group C with 11 points, relies on their squad’s consistency and Filipe Luís’ experience to avoid early eliminations, as seen in past tournaments.
- Balanced history: 33 Inter wins, 32 Flamengo wins, 27 draws.
- Group stage: Both teams earned 11 points in their groups.
- Current form: Flamengo unbeaten in five; Inter with four wins in ten.
The match promises to be a test of strategy and resilience, with Inter leveraging home support and Flamengo aiming to maintain defensive solidity.
Match curiosities
The Internacional vs. Flamengo clash is more than a tactical battle; it’s an event filled with stories and quirks. The confetti shower, for instance, is a decades-old Colorado tradition but rarely caused such significant delays. The game also marks Arrascaeta’s return to Beira-Rio, where he nearly signed with Inter in 2014 before joining Cruzeiro, a negotiation marked by the phrase “too expensive for a reserve.”
Another highlight is Bruno Henrique, who has solidified his status as a knockout-stage star. His goal in the first leg reinforces his reputation as a “king of mata-mata.” For Inter, Alan Patrick’s leadership in midfield is seen as crucial for creating chances against Flamengo’s defense.
- Colorado tradition: The “fire street” mobilized thousands of fans for the team’s arrival.
- Near-miss signing: Arrascaeta negotiated with Inter before starring for Flamengo.
- Bruno Henrique’s clutch factor: 16 goal involvements in 21 knockout games.
- Sold-out stadium: 48,000 fans are expected to back Inter.
The game also evokes memories of historic clashes, like the 1992 Copa do Brasil final, won by Inter, and the 1981 Libertadores semifinal, claimed by Flamengo.
Organization and future lessons
The confetti delay raises questions about the logistics of major events at Beira-Rio. The stadium’s management, which has faced similar challenges before, is now evaluating measures to control the volume of confetti thrown by fans. The wet pitch, common in Porto Alegre during winter, calls for solutions like more powerful blowers or pre-game cleanup.
Conmebol, which oversees Libertadores matches, may demand adjustments to prevent future delays. The refereeing team, while handling the situation well, emphasized the need for a pitch in ideal conditions to ensure player safety. The minor incident could influence preparations for future games, especially in later tournament stages.
- Proposed measures: Use of stronger blowers and pre-game cleanup.
- Conmebol warning: Delays could lead to penalties in future matches.
- Game impact: The interruption affected the players’ initial rhythm.
- Engaged crowd: The delay did not dampen the fans’ enthusiasm.
Despite the delay, the match retains the anticipation of an electrifying duel, with Inter chasing a comeback and Flamengo aiming to secure their advantage.
