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

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 directly in normal time. A victory by just one goal takes the decision to extra time and, in the case of a persistent tie, to penalties. Lanús advances with a draw or victory of its own.

The final pits the champions of Libertadores and Copa Sul-Americana from the previous year face to face. The Flamengo seeks to repeat the Recopa title and open the 2026 season with a continental trophy. Filipe Luís commands the red and black team in an attempt to reverse the adverse score. The confrontation at Maracanã generates high expectations, with massive fans expected to put pressure on the Argentine opponent.

Varela related and in the likely lineup for the decisive duel

Varela is listed and appears in Flamengo’s likely lineup for the decisive match. The Uruguayan right-back has normally participated in recent training and is part of the main group without physical or medical restrictions. The official lineup has not yet been released, but projections and internal analyzes point to number 2 as the starter on the right flank. Sua presence reinforces defensive solidity and quality in offensive support.

The player seeks to maintain the good moment and contribute with precise crosses and firm marking in the right sector. Filipe Luís counts on Varela to balance the defense and offer options for passing the ball down the wing. His participation increases the consistency of the defensive system and helps with the quick transition to the attack. The medical department confirmed full clearance for the confrontation at Rio of Janeiro.

Returns strengthen the red and black squad for the turnaround

Flamengo arrives with important reinforcements for the decisive 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 assemble the team and adopt an offensive posture 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 form the midfield, while Carrascal (with options for Luiz Araújo or Plata), Cebolinha (or Saúl remains the only absence, recovering from surgery on his left ankle. The team focuses on set pieces and quick transitions to generate opportunities.

Lanús defends advantage with defensive compactness

Lanús arrives at Maracanã with confidence after the minimal victory at Argentina. The team won seven of the last games played and maintained the Copa Sul-Americana champion base. Mauricio Pellegrino prioritizes defensive compaction to neutralize red-black attacks. The team plays for a draw and seeks to exploit counterattacks at opportune moments.

The likely Lanús lineup has Nahuel Losada in goal, Tomás Guidara, Carlos Izquierdoz, José Canale and Sasha Marcich in defense. Agustín Medina, Agustín Cardozo and Marcelino Moreno play in the middle, with Eduardo Salvio, Ramiro Carrera and Rodrigo Castillo in attack. Loaiza remains out due to injury. The group remains focused on strong marking and limiting space on the field.

Uruguayan refereeing rules the continental final

Gustavo Tejera acts as main referee, assisted by Nicolás Tarán and Carlos Barreiro. Andrés Cunha takes over as VAR. Toda the refereeing team is Uruguayan and has experience in decisions in South American competitions. The quartet arrives prepared to manage the high pressure expected in the packed stadium.

Live streaming covers every detail

ESPN and Disney+ Premium broadcast the match live on Brasil. ge offers real-time coverage with updated bids, statistics and line-up confirmation. Fans follow the main moments of the match minute by minute. The broadcast includes tactical analysis and quick interviews before and after the final whistle.

Historic challenge puts pressure on Flamengo on Recopa

Flamengo has never reversed 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 the chances created. The fans at Maracanã play a decisive role in maintaining constant support.

Lanús neutralized the main red-black weapons in the first duel. Rodrigo Castillo’s goal defined the minimum advantage. Pellegrino adjusted the scheme to reinforce marking and exploit the opponent’s mistakes. The Argentine team maintains tactical discipline to preserve the favorable result.

Filipe Luís seeks unprecedented trophy as coach

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

The winner opens the 2026 calendar with a continental cup. Flamengo needs to set a high pace from the opening whistle. Lanús plays for a positive result and repeats the winning strategy from the first leg. The duel promises balance and intensity until the end.

Crowded Maracanã drives the 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 and organized access. The atmosphere puts pressure on Lanús and drives Flamengo in search of a turnaround. The expectation is for an intense and disputed match.