Flamengo preserves starters against Atlético-MG and Filipe Luís signals lineup for Libertadores Final

Coach Filipe Luís, from Flamengo, opted to preserve the majority of starters in the 1-1 draw against Atlético-MG, played on Tuesday night (25) at Arena MRV, in Belo Horizonte. The match for Campeonato Brasileiro served as a test for the final of Copa Libertadores against Palmeiras, scheduled for Saturday (29) at Estádio Monumental, at Lima, at Peru. The strategy aims to keep the squad rested after Palmeiras lost to Grêmio 3-2, eliminating chances of a national title for Rubro-Negro.

Agustín Rossi started in goal, while Danilo and Erick Pulgar, released from suspension, played in midfield alongside Jorginho, and Arrascaeta entered in the second half to reinforce the creation of plays.

Flamengo arrived at

Priorities in defense for the decision

Filipe Luís prioritized defensive solidity by choosing full-backs Guillermo Varela and Varela and Alex Sandro remained on the bench, while Royal started, but received criticism from the coach for marking errors.

The coach highlighted the need for evolution in the defensive phase of the full-backs, especially against compact lines like that of Atlético-MG, who played with five defenders. Danilo and Léo Pereira, the only defenders available, completed the back line without incident.

This choice reflects the squad’s internal hierarchy, with a focus on players who have demonstrated consistency in recent training.

Movements in midfield

Pulgar returned to the starting lineup after serving a suspension in the previous match and played the 90 minutes alongside Jorginho, consolidating the pair for the final. Arrascaeta, spared at the beginning, entered 15 minutes into the second half and helped create the equalizer.

• Jorginho: Controlou the pace with short passes and interceptions.
• Pulgar: Ganhou aerial duels and distributed balls to the sides.
• Arrascaeta: Criou two clear chances after substitution.

The mixed midfield allowed rotation, but maintained the base that Filipe Luís plans for Lima.

Attack shared between reserves and stars

Bruno Henrique came off the bench and scored the equalizer in the 32nd minute of the second half, after a precise cross, signaling his starting role in the final. Everton Cebolinha came on later, suggesting he will start as a left winger against Palmeiras.

Samuel Lino started on the left, but the coach indicated a preference for Cebolinha in decisive games due to his speed. Luiz Araújo and Jorge Carrascal compete for the right wing, with Carrascal accumulating more recent minutes, while Gonzalo Plata is suspended.

Pedro travels to Lima, but his chances of playing are remote due to injury; Michael can be an alternative in the attack command.

Uncertain options on the right

The right wing position remains open for the final, with Filipe Luís testing variations in the game against Atlético-MG. Luiz Araújo started, but was replaced by Carrascal, who played less than 30 minutes before leaving.

The Ecuadorian Plata, suspended for the decision, was not listed, forcing internal choices. Varela, improvised in training, appears as a defensive option, but the focus is on offensive players.

This uncertainty reflects tactical adjustments observed since the beginning of the week, with an emphasis on quick transitions.

Specific criticisms and tactical adjustments

Filipe Luís publicly criticized Emerson Royal’s defensive performance after the game, pointing out difficulties against Atlético-MG’s line of five. The full-back suffered from aerial balls and will need to improve to avoid risks in the final.

The coach emphasized that the defensive phase is a priority for full-backs, and his work aims to elevate Royal’s individuality. Apesar of the draw, Flamengo controlled 58% of ball possession and finished 12 times.

Final preparation on Peruvian soil

The red and black delegation embarked for Lima with 28 players, including Pedro under medical evaluation. Treinos takes place on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, with the last activity open to the press on Friday.

Filipe Luís brought the group together to align strategies against Palmeiras, prioritizing high marking and counterattacks. Monumental receives around 70 thousand fans, with tickets sold out for the visiting fans.

Flamengo is looking for the third Libertadores championship, after titles in 2019 and 2022, in a duel that promises tactical balance from the opening whistle.