Flamengo enters the Maracanã field this Thursday, at 9:30 pm, focused on reversing the disadvantage and winning the second Recopa Sul-Americana championship. Após the 1-0 defeat in the first leg, in Argentina, the Rio team needs to win by two goals to lift the cup in normal time. A simple victory for the red and black team takes the dispute to extra time and, if equality persists, the decision will take place via penalty kicks. The duel pits the current holders of the main continental titles, Copa Libertadores and Copa Sul-Americana, face to face.
Preparation for this decisive confrontation involved intense mobilization of the medical department and the technical committee led by Filipe Luís. The coach, who already won this competition as an athlete in 2020, is now looking for his first international title in charge of the main team. The expectation is for a full house, with the fans promising an environment of absolute pressure to push the players from the first minutes of the game. Lanús, in turn, is playing for a draw to guarantee an unprecedented title in its international trophy cabinet.
- Flamengo needs to win by two goals to be direct champions.
- Any draw or victory for Lanús guarantees the Argentines the title at Rio.
- The official broadcast will be carried out via ESPN channels and the Disney+ Premium platform.
- The Uruguayan referee Gustavo Tejera will be responsible for conducting the match at Maracanã.
Today is the day for Nação to occupy every corner of our house. It’s a day to support until the end. It’s the day to take the field to get another international cup for our gallery. It’s final and TODAY THERE’S MENGÃO ON THE FIELD AT MARACANÃ!
— Flamengo (@Flamengo)February 26, 2026
Starting at 9:30 p.m., Casa of Inesquecível will host the duel between…pic.twitter.com/LcubKs6Gqy
Key Returns and Filipe Luís Strategy
The red-and-black commander received excellent news during the week of training at Ninho of Urubu to put together his attack strategy. Striker Plata, who served an automatic suspension in the first game on Argentine soil, is officially released and becomes a speed option for the offensive sector. Além of him, the trio formed by Jorginho, Bruno Henrique and Wallace Yan received the green light from doctors and normally participated in the last tactical activities before the duel.
These reinforcements allow Filipe Luís to have practically maximum strength at their disposal to face the expected setback from the visiting team. The only confirmed absence from the main squad is that of midfielder Saúl, who is still recovering from surgery on his left ankle. With so many offensive options, the doubt in the lineup lies on the right wing, where Carrascal, Luiz Araújo and Plata himself compete for the coach’s preference to start the match.
Lanús posture to hold the advantage
The Argentine team arrived at Rio of Janeiro with high morale after the positive result achieved in front of their fans last week. Coach Mauricio Pellegrino chose to spare his main players for the local championship to ensure that the squad physically arrived at Maracanã in one piece. The Lanús maintained the victorious base that won the Copa Sul-Americana and demonstrates a defensive chemistry that has been the team’s pillar this season.
The strategy outlined by the Argentine technical committee focuses on neutralizing the initial momentum of Flamengo and exploring counterattacks with the speed of Eduardo Salvio. Captain Izquierdoz leads a defensive line that will have the mission of containing top scorer Pedro, the Brazilian team’s main hope for goals. Pellegrino believes that the mix between the youth of its midfielders and the experience of its defenders will be the key to withstanding the pressure from the Rio fans.
Probable lineups and match details
Flamengo must start the game with Rossi in goal, protected by a defensive line made up of Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro. In the midfield sector, Pulgar and Lucas Paquetá must provide support so that Arrascaeta has the freedom to create offensive plays for the attackers. The attack command will be Pedro, accompanied by Everton Cebolinha and possibly Carrascal, although the final definition will depend on the last physical tests before kickoff.
On the Lanús side, goalkeeper Nahuel Losada will have to do double duty to avoid the home team’s attacks during the ninety minutes. The probable formation has Guidara, Izquierdoz, Canale and Marcich in defense; the midfield will have Agustín Medina, Agustín Cardozo and Marcelino Moreno. In attack, the experience of Eduardo Salvio joins Ramiro Carrera and Rodrigo Castillo to try to surprise the red-black defense in quick transition plays.
Recent history and team performance
Flamengo arrives for this final with a solid record playing at home, but aware that defensive failures can be fatal in knockout competitions. The team has been working intensely on set pieces, which could be a difference in a game that promises to be very closed. The presence of qualified hitters such as Arrascaeta and Paquetá increases the Rio team’s chances of fouls close to the area and corners.
The Argentine team, on the other hand, has an impressive statistic of just one defeat in the last seven games played in 2026. Essa defensive consistency has allowed the club to overcome strong opponents on the South American scene in recent months. The absence of Loaiza, injured, is the only significant casualty for Pellegrino, who managed to set up a game system where spare parts maintain the team’s competitive level.
Uruguayan arbitration controls the decision
The Confederação Sul-Americana of Gustavo Tejera will be the main referee, assisted by assistants Nicolas Tarán and Carlos Barreiro, all with extensive experience in high-pressure international matches. The choice aims to guarantee the impartiality and technical rigor necessary for a clash that is worthy of a prestigious continental cup.
In command of the VAR booth will be Andrés Cunha, also from Uruguai, who will have technological support to analyze dubious offside calls or possible penalties. The expectation is that the technology will only be used in cases of clear errors, maintaining the fluidity of the game in accordance with the new refereeing guidelines. Players from both teams were instructed about the strict stance of Uruguayan referees in relation to excessive complaints and simulations on the field.
Public expectations and logistics at Maracanã
The total number of tickets for tonight’s match was practically sold out in just a few hours of sales to the club’s fan members. Polícia Militar of Rio of Janeiro prepared a special security scheme around the stadium to avoid conflicts between fans and facilitate the flow of pedestrians. Recomenda Fans are encouraged to arrive at the sports complex early, as the gates will be opened three hours in advance to avoid crowds.
Within the four lines, Flamengo bets on the “home factor” to intimidate the opponent from the warm-up on the pitch. The Maracanã pitch underwent specific maintenance to be in perfect condition for playing fast and technical football. The red and black board also prepared a special mosaic that will be displayed by the fans when the teams enter the field, reinforcing the unconditional support in the search for the title.