Flamengo confirms Jorge Carrascal as a starter in the lineup for the clash against Lanús this Thursday, February 19, at Estádio Ciudad of The game corresponds to the first leg of the Recopa Sul-Americana 2026 and starts at 9:30 pm local time at Argentina. The Colombian midfielder is part of the red and black mobile attack, playing in an advanced position alongside Luiz Araújo, Everton Cebolinha and Giorgian of Arrascaeta. Coach Filipe Luís opted for this configuration without a fixed center forward to prioritize fluidity and position changes in the offensive sector.
The official lineup released by the club has Rossi protecting the goal. The defensive line has Varela on the right, Léo Ortiz and Léo Pereira in central defense, and Alex Sandro on the left flank. In midfield, Erick Pulgar acts as a fixed midfielder, with Lucas Paquetá and Arrascaeta further forward. The attack is completed with Luiz Araújo on the right, Carrascal in an advanced centralized role and Cebolinha on the left. Pedro remains on the bench to serve as a reference option in the area during the match.
- The live broadcast takes place on ESPN on pay TV and on Disney+ on the streaming service.
- Real-time coverage is available on specialized portals with constant updates.
- The return game takes place at Maracanã on February 26th.
Confirmed presence of Carrascal in the starting attack
Jorge Carrascal starts the match as a starter and should occupy a more advanced position, alternating with Arrascaeta in moments of creation. The Colombian brings speed and ability to explore spaces in the Argentine defense. Sua lineup reflects Filipe Luís’s strategy in away games against South American teams. The player actively participates in offensive plays and helps with high pressure.
Choosing Carrascal in the starting lineup shows confidence in the midfielder’s recent performance. Ele joins Paquetá and Arrascaeta to form a creative and dynamic midfield. The bank offers alternatives such as Bruno Henrique and De La Cruz for tactical variations throughout the 90 minutes.
Offensive strategy without a professional center forward
Flamengo adopts a formation with a mobile offensive quartet, without Pedro as a fixed starter. Carrascal, Luiz Araújo, Cebolinha and Arrascaeta constantly change positions to confuse the opponent’s marking. Essa approach seeks greater unpredictability and control of ball possession from the start.
Pedro comes in as a substitute to offer presence in the area and finishes in aerial plays. The absence of a traditional nine allows the team to better explore the flanks and the space between the lines. The tactic aims to neutralize Lanús’s defensive solidity at home.
Lanús bets on home advantage to put pressure on
The Lanús maintains the base of the Sul-Americana 2025 champion squad over the Atlético-MG. The Argentine team prioritizes the Recopa as a chance to win an unprecedented title in the competition. Coach Mauricio Pellegrino has an experienced defense led by Izquierdoz and a fast attack with Walter Bou at the front.
The local team comes from three matches without a win, but uses the support of the fans to impose a high pace from the opening whistle. The likely lineup includes Losada in goal, Guidara, Izquierdoz, Canale and Marcich in defense, Medina, Agustín Cardozo, Salvio,
Broadcast and arbitration details
ESPN broadcasts the duel live to the Brazilian public on closed television. Disney+ offers the streaming option for those who prefer to watch online. Coverage includes pre-game, analysis and post-match summary in specialized vehicles.
The La Fortaleza stadium welcomes Argentine fans looking for an advantage in the aggregate score. Flamengo has fans present in Buenos Aires to encourage the squad. The arbitration follows Conmebol standards to guarantee fairness in the decisive confrontation.
Teams’ moment in the season
Flamengo overcame initial difficulties in 2026, with Campeonato Carioca recovering after three consecutive victories. The team is looking for the first trophy of the year to strengthen the technical project of Filipe Luís. The Recopa represents an opportunity for a second championship after a title in 2020.
Lanús arrives motivated by the recent victory of Sul-Americana and keeps the main cast intact. The Argentine club sees the tournament as a historic milestone, as other teams in the country have already won the competition. The duel tests the ability to react after recent fluctuations.
Decisive factors in the first game
Control of the midfield sets the pace of the match. Carrascal, Paquetá and Arrascaeta need to overcome the marking to create clear chances. The red and black defense focuses on blocking quick counterattacks from Lanús.
The sides require constant attention from Varela and Alex Sandro. The partial result directly influences the strategy for the return on Rio of Janeiro. A good performance away from home increases the margin for the final decision.
