Flamengo confirms Guillermo Varela as a starter in the lineup for the game against Lanús this Thursday, February 19, at Estádio Ciudad of The match is valid for the first leg of the Recopa Sul-Americana 2026 and starts at 9:30 pm local time at Argentina. The Uruguayan right-back returns to the team after recovering from an ankle problem and joins the defense alongside Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro. Coach Filipe Luís is banking on Varela’s experience to strengthen the right side in an away match.
The official lineup released by the club has Rossi in goal. The defense has Léo Ortiz and Léo Pereira in the middle, Varela on the right and Alex Sandro on the left. In midfield, Erick Pulgar plays as first midfielder, Lucas Paquetá as second and Giorgian from Arrascaeta in creation. The mobile attack includes Luiz Araújo on the right, Jorge Carrascal in an advanced centralized position and Everton Cebolinha on the left, without a fixed center forward. Pedro starts on the bench for changing options during the match.
- The broadcast takes place live on ESPN on pay TV and on Disney+ on streaming.
- Real-time tracking is available on portals with bid-by-bid updates.
- The return game takes place at Maracanã on February 26th.
Return of Varela to the right side
Guillermo Varela returns to the starting lineup after recovering from an ankle injury that kept him out of recent games. The Uruguayan brings defensive consistency and support to the attack on the right flank. Sua presence reinforces the red-black defensive line in a decisive confrontation. Filipe Luís chose Varela instead of Emerson Royal for greater strength in the sector.
The lineup with Varela shows confidence in the full-back in continental matches. Ele connects well with steering wheels for quick transitions. The bank offers alternatives such as Ayrton Lucas for tactical variations if necessary.
Full defense returns after savings
Alex Sandro, Léo Pereira and Léo Ortiz also return to the team after resting in Carioca’s last game. The starting defense seeks to neutralize Lanús’s fast attack. Varela completes the defensive quartet with a focus on containment and clean exits.
The defensive formation prioritizes compaction to limit spaces. The red-black team bets on high marking to recover the ball in the opponent’s field. The strategy aims to avoid dangerous counterattacks in Buenos Aires.
Lanús maintains Sul-Americana champion base
Lanús enters the field with the majority of players who won the Sul-Americana 2025 over Atlético-MG on penalties. The Argentine team prioritizes Recopa as a chance for an unprecedented title. Coach Mauricio Pellegrino has a solid defense with Izquierdoz and an attack led by Walter Bou.
The local team arrives after three games without a win, but uses the home advantage to apply pressure from the start. The likely lineup includes Losada in goal, Guidara, Izquierdoz, Canale and Marcich in defense, Medina, Agustín Cardozo, Salvio,
Broadcast and clash details
ESPN broadcasts the duel live for Brasil on closed television. The Disney+ offers the option of online streaming. Coverage covers real-time analysis, substitutions and statistics.
Estádio La Fortaleza receives Argentine fans to boost Lanús. Flamengo has support from fans in Buenos Aires. Arbitration follows Conmebol standards to balance the dispute.
Teams’ moment in the season
Flamengo reacts in Carioca with consecutive victories after an irregular start in 2026. The team is looking for the first trophy of the year to consolidate the Filipe Luís project. 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 maintains the main cast. The club sees the tournament as a historic milestone. The duel tests the ability to react in decisive games away from home.
Factors that influence the first game
The right flank with Varela gains importance to contain opposing attacks and support the attack. The midfield needs to dictate the pace against intense marking. The red-and-black defense focuses on blocking quick transitions.
The partial result defines approach to return in Maracanã. Safe performance abroad increases the margin in the decision. Defensive balance will be key for Flamengo.
