Does Saul play today? Where to watch Flamengo x Lanus in the second leg of the Recopa Sul-Americana final at 9:30 pm

Flamengo faces Lanús this Thursday, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, in the second leg of the Recopa Sul-Americana 2026 final. win the title in normal time. Vitória for a goal takes the decision to extra time and, if necessary, penalties. Lanús guarantees the cup with a draw or victory.

The match brings together the champions of Libertadores and Copa Sul-Americana from the previous year. Flamengo is looking for the second consecutive championship of Recopa, while Lanús is trying to win the trophy for the first time in history. Filipe Luís leads Rubro-Negro in the hunt for his first title as coach. Expectations at Maracanã involve packed fans and high pressure on the Argentine opponent.

Saúl absence confirmed by ankle surgery

Saúl remains out of the game due to surgery on his left ankle. The player did not recover in time for the decision and remains in the rehabilitation process in the medical department. His absence was already expected since the first game, when he was suspended, and now it is confirmed as a definitive absence for the clash at Rio of Janeiro. Coach Filipe Luís adjusts the midfield without counting on the Spanish midfielder.

The medical department released Jorginho, Bruno Henrique and Wallace Yan for the decisive duel. Plata also returns after suspension served in Argentina. With these reinforcements, Flamengo arrives with a practically complete squad, except for the loss of Saúl. The red and black team remains focused on creating offensive plays to overcome the opponent’s minimal advantage.

Probable red-black lineup without Saúl

The likely Flamengo lineup has Rossi in goal, Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro in defense. Pulgar, Paquetá and Arrascaeta occupy the midfield, with Carrascal (options for Luiz Araújo or Plata), The scheme seeks to balance marking and quick transition to press Lanús from the beginning. The absence of Saúl makes room for greater intensity in creation.

The Rio team trains intensely on finishing and set pieces to increase their chances of scoring. Filipe Luís emphasizes the need for patience in the first minutes and explosion in the second half. The fans at Maracanã should help create a favorable environment for the upset. The squad demonstrates confidence in their ability to reverse the adverse score.

Lanús arrives with high morale and organized defense

Lanús maintains the base that won the Copa Sul-Americana and surprised the Flamengo on the way. Mauricio Pellegrino bets on defensive solidity to hold the draw and lift the cup. The Argentine team has lost just once in the last seven games and arrives at Rio rested, with no intermediate matches. The strategy prioritizes compaction and quick counterattacks.

Lanús’s likely lineup includes Nahuel Losada in goal, Tomás Guidara, Carlos Izquierdoz, José Canale and Sasha Marcich in defense. Agustín Medina, Agustín Cardozo and Marcelino Moreno form the midfield, with Eduardo Salvio, Ramiro Carrera and Rodrigo Castillo in attack. The absence is Loaiza, injured. The group focuses on neutralizing the main red-black offensive weapons.

Uruguayan refereeing in charge of the final

Gustavo Tejera referees the match as main referee, assisted by Nicolás Tarán and Carlos Barreiro. Andrés Cunha commands the VAR. Toda the arbitration team is Uruguayan and has experience in continental decisions. The quartet arrives prepared to manage the intensity expected in Maracanã and guarantee fluidity to the game.

Live broadcast to the entire Brasil

ESPN and Disney+ Premium broadcast the match live. ge offers real-time coverage with up-to-the-minute bidding, statistics and analysis. Fans can follow confirmed lineups, goals and key moments directly through the platform. The broadcast includes pre-game footage and quick interviews.

Historical pressure on Flamengo on Recopa

Flamengo has never managed to reverse defeat in the first game in South American finals played so far. The need to score at least two goals increases the complexity of the mission. The team dominates possession and shooting statistics, but needs to convert opportunities into nets. The fans play a decisive role in maintaining constant support.

Lanús defends the advantage with tactical discipline acquired in the first duel. Rodrigo Castillo’s goal at Argentina defined the minimum score. Pellegrino adjusted positioning to limit spaces and exploit the opponent’s mistakes. The Argentine team remains calm and focused on executing the defensive plan.

Filipe Luís in search of an unprecedented trophy as a coach

Filipe Luís competes in his first final as a coach and is looking for the Recopa title. In 2020, he won the trophy as a player against Independiente del Valle. Agora, leads the group with specific preparations for turns. The commander is betting on the unity of the squad and the strength of the fans to overcome the obstacle.

The winner of Recopa opens the 2026 season with a continental trophy. Flamengo needs to set a high pace from the opening whistle. Lanús plays for a positive result and maintains the strategy that worked in the first leg. The match promises balance and intensity from start to finish.

Maracanã packed for continental decision

More than 60 thousand fans fill the Maracanã for the decisive game. Interdições in the surrounding area start early and continue until dawn. The mobility scheme guarantees safe access to the stadium. The atmosphere puts pressure on Lanús and drives Flamengo in search of a turnaround. The expectation is for a disputed and exciting confrontation.