Does Erick Pulgar play today? Where to watch Flamengo x Lanus in the second leg of the Recopa Sul-Americana final at 9:30 pmBy Carolina Costa
4 min read
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Flamengo hosts Lanús this Thursday, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the return game of the final of the win the second championship in normal time. Vitória for a goal takes the decision to extra time and, in the case of a maintained draw, to penalties. Lanús guarantees the title with a draw or victory.
The match brings together the champions of Libertadores and Copa Sul-Americana from the previous year. The Flamengo seeks the second title of the Recopa and opens the 2026 season with a continental trophy. Filipe Luís commands the red and black team in an attempt to reverse the adverse score. The clash at Maracanã raises great expectations, with packed fans expected to create pressure on the Argentine team.
Erick Pulgar listed and in the likely lineup for the decisive duel
Erick Pulgar is listed and appears in the probable Flamengo lineup for the Recopa final. The Chilean midfielder has trained normally in recent days and is part of the main group without medical or physical restrictions. The official lineup has not yet been released, but projections and internal analyzes indicate number 5 as the absolute starter in the squad. Sua presence reinforces defense protection and quality ball release.
The player seeks to maintain balance in midfield and contribute with strong marking and precise distribution. Filipe Luís relies on Pulgar to provide defensive support and initiate offensive plays with vertical passes. His participation increases the team’s tactical consistency and helps contain the opponent’s quick transitions. The medical department confirmed complete clearance for the confrontation at Rio of Janeiro.
Reinforcements arrive to strengthen the red and black squad
Flamengo gains important options with confirmed returns for the game. Plata returns after serving a suspension in the first duel and is available. Jorginho, Bruno Henrique and Wallace Yan were also released by the medical department. Filipe Luís has practically maximum strength to climb the team and adopt an intense offensive stance from the first minute. The strategy prioritizes high intensity, possession of the ball and constant exploration of the wings.
The likely lineup for Flamengo includes Rossi in goal, Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro in defense. Pulgar, Paquetá and Arrascaeta occupy the midfield, while Carrascal (with options for Luiz Araújo or Saúl remains the only absence, recovering from surgery on his left ankle. The team focuses on set pieces and quick transitions to create scoring chances.
Lanús bets on compactness to hold the draw
Lanús arrives at Maracanã with high morale after the minimal victory in Argentina. The team won seven of the last games played and preserved the base that won the Copa Sul-Americana. Mauricio Pellegrino prioritizes defensive solidity to neutralize the red and black attacks. The team plays for a draw and seeks to exploit counterattacks at strategic moments.
The likely Lanús lineup has Nahuel Losada in goal, Tomás Guidara, Carlos Izquierdoz, José Canale and Sasha Marcich on the defensive line. Agustín Medina, Agustín Cardozo and Marcelino Moreno play in the middle, with Eduardo Salvio, Ramiro Carrera and Rodrigo Castillo in attack. Loaiza remains absent due to injury. The group maintains an emphasis on strong marking and reducing spaces.
Uruguayan refereeing takes charge of the final
Gustavo Tejera acts as main referee, assisted by Nicolás Tarán and Carlos Barreiro. Andrés Cunha commands the VAR. Toda the refereeing team is Uruguayan and has experience in high-level continental matches. The quartet arrives prepared to lead the match under the expected pressure in a packed stadium.
Live streaming ensures complete coverage
ESPN and Disney+ Premium broadcast the clash live to the Brazilian public. ge offers real-time coverage with bid updates, statistics and confirmed lineups. Fans follow the main moments of the game minute by minute. The broadcast includes tactical analysis and quick interviews before and after the final whistle.
History presses Flamengo in the search for a turnaround
Flamengo has never reversed defeat in the first game in South American finals played so far. The obligation to score at least two goals represents a significant challenge. The team dominates possession and shooting statistics, but needs to convert the opportunities created. The fans at Maracanã play a decisive role in sustaining their support throughout the 90 minutes.
Lanús neutralized the main red-black offensive actions in the first duel. Rodrigo Castillo’s goal guaranteed the minimum advantage. Pellegrino adjusted positioning to reinforce compression and exploit the opponent’s mistakes. The Argentine team maintains tactical discipline to preserve the favorable result.
Filipe Luís in search of his first trophy as coach
Filipe Luís is competing in his first final as a coach and is looking to win the Recopa Sul-Americana. In 2020, he lifted the trophy as a player against Independiente del Valle. Agora, leads the squad with training aimed at turning the score around. The coach is betting on the unity of the group and the energy of the fans to overcome the obstacle.
The winner starts the 2026 calendar with a continental title. Flamengo needs to set a high pace from the start to avoid surprises. Lanús plays for a positive result and repeats the strategy that worked in the first leg. The duel promises balance and intensity from the first to the last minute.
Maracanã receives large crowds in the decision
More than 60 thousand fans occupy Maracanã for the decisive game. Interdições around the stadium start early and continue until dawn. The mobility scheme organizes access and guarantees public safety. The hostile atmosphere for Lanús puts pressure on the visitor, while Flamengo gains momentum with the support from the stands. The expectation is for an intense and disputed match.







