Flamengo faces Lanús this Thursday, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at the Maracanã stadium, at Rio of Buenos Aires, in Argentina, and needs to win by at least two goals to win the title directly. A victory by one goal takes the decision to extra time and, if the tie persists, to penalties. Lanús advances with a draw or victory.
The match pits the champions of Libertadores and Copa Sul-Americana from the previous year face to face. Flamengo is looking for the second title of Recopa, while Lanús is trying to win the trophy for the first time. Filipe Luís leads the red and black team in their quest for their first title as coach. The clash attracts high expectations at Maracanã, with large crowds expected to support the team in an attempt to reverse the adverse score.
Returns drive Flamengo to decision
Flamengo has 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 and are part of the group. Filipe Luís has practically maximum strength to assemble the team and put pressure on the opponent from the beginning. The red and black strategy involves imposing a high pace and exploring offensive plays to overcome the Argentine advantage.
Flamengo’s likely lineup includes Rossi in goal, with 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 The only confirmed absence is Saúl, recovering from surgery on his left ankle. The team seeks to exploit ball possession and create constant chances in the offensive sector.
Lanús bets on defensive solidity in the Maracanã
Lanús arrives at Rio of Janeiro with high morale after the victory in the first game. The Argentine team has won seven recent matches, with only one defeat, and maintained the starting base that won the Copa Sul-Americana. Mauricio Pellegrino commands the team and prioritizes defensive compaction to neutralize the red-black attacks. The strategy focuses on containing the opponent and exploring quick counterattacks when possible.
The likely Lanús lineup has Nahuel Losada in goal, with Tomás Guidara, Carlos Izquierdoz, José Canale and Sasha Marcich on the defensive line. Agustín Medina, Agustín Cardozo and Marcelino Moreno act in the middle, while Eduardo Salvio, Ramiro Carrera and Rodrigo Castillo form the attack. The absence is Loaiza, away due to injury. The Argentine team plays for a draw to lift the cup.
Uruguayan arbitration leads the decisive duel
Conmebol selected Gustavo Tejera as the main referee for the match at Maracanã. The assistants are Nicolás Tarán and Carlos Barreiro, both from Uruguai. Andrés Cunha works in VAR, also Uruguayan. The refereeing team has experience in continental games and must ensure fluidity in the confrontation. The quartet arrives prepared to deal with the high pressure expected at the stadium.
Broadcast ensures broad coverage for fans
The match will be broadcast live on ESPN and Disney+ Premium. ge follows all moves in real time, with constant updates on lineups, goals and key moments. Fans can follow minute-by-minute details and follow the tactical movements of both teams. Coverage includes pre- and post-game analysis to contextualize on-field performance.
History presses Flamengo in the search for a turnaround
Flamengo never reversed a score after losing the first game in South American competitions. The 1-0 defeat at Argentina represents an unprecedented challenge for the current red and black generation. The Rio team statistically dominates in possession and shots, but needs to convert chances into goals to overcome the opponent. The fans at Maracanã play a fundamental role in providing continuous support throughout the 90 minutes.
Lanús surprised in the first duel by neutralizing Flamengo’s main offensive weapons. Rodrigo Castillo’s goal in the second half defined the minimum advantage. Agora, the Argentine team defends its advantage with tactical discipline and seeks to repeat its solid performance. Pellegrino adjusted the scheme to prioritize marking and limit spaces in the defensive field.
Filipe Luís seeks first trophy as coach
Filipe Luís leads Flamengo in his first final as coach. In 2020, he participated in winning the Recopa as a player, against the Independiente del Valle. Agora, he leads the group in search of the unprecedented trophy in his technical career. The preparation included specific training to reverse adverse scores and exploit Lanús’s weaknesses. The commander is betting on the unity of the squad and the strength of the fans to win the title.
The clash represents the start of the international season for both clubs. The winner opens the 2026 calendar with a continental cup. Flamengo needs to impose its pace from the opening minutes to avoid surprises. Lanús maintains focus on organized defense and quick transitions to secure a favorable result.
High expectations in Maracanã for continental decision
Maracanã receives more than 60 thousand fans for the decisive game. Interdições around the stadium start at 6:30 pm and continue until dawn. The traffic scheme facilitates public access and ensures safety. The hostile atmosphere for Lanús should put pressure on the Argentine team, while Flamengo gains momentum with the support from the stands. The expectation is for an intense and disputed match.
