VAR cancels goal due to offside by Marlon Ruidías in Cusco x Flamengo in the Libertadores

The electrifying clash for CONMEBOL Libertadores between Cusco FC and Flamengo is still underway at Estadio Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, with the Rio team ahead on the scoreboard 1-0. The match, valid for the first round of Grupo The match, played on April 8, 2026, reached the 76th minute of the second half, with moments of high tension and a crucial VAR decision that maintained the red-black advantage.

The most controversial move of the second half occurred in the 69th minute, when a headed goal from Marlon Ruidías, from Cusco, was initially validated and celebrated by the local fans. However, after review by the VAR, the video referee identified an offside in the play that led to the play, nullifying what would have been the Peruvian team’s draw and revalidating Flamengo’s lead. Este incident highlighted the importance of technology in modern football.

🚨🏆 | GOAL: MARLON RUIDIAS HAS EQUALIZED FOR CUSCO! YES, WHAT A MOMENT! WOW!

Cusco 1-1 Flamengo.

pic.twitter.com/28jH2mbz9U

— TheGoalsZone (@TheGoalsZone)April 9, 2026

The tension of the game reflects the start of the Libertadores group stage, where every point is crucial to qualification aspirations. Flamengo, one of the favorites for the title, seeks to consolidate its position from the first round, while Cusco FC shows resistance and fights for a positive result at home. The atmosphere in the stadium is one of pure emotion, with the home team’s fans pushing their team to seek equality on the scoreboard.

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VAR decision and impact on the game

VAR’s disallowance of the Marlon Ruidías goal was undoubtedly the most significant turning point in the second half of the match so far. The decision, taken after a detailed review, generated controversy among Cusco fans, but was crucial in maintaining the score in favor of Flamengo, who had opened the scoring with Bruno Henrique.

This type of technological intervention highlights the precision required in high-competition football and how millimeters can define the fate of a game. Para or Cusco, the frustration was evident, but the team did not let its guard down and continued to press in search of new opportunities. Flamengo, in turn, demonstrated defensive resilience after the scare.

Opening of the scoreboard by Bruno Henrique

The goal that puts Flamengo ahead was scored by Bruno Henrique in the 59th minute of the second half. The red-black striker took advantage of a chance in the heart of the area to head and find the net, giving the Rio team the lead at a crucial moment in the match.

This move reinforced Flamengo’s offensive capacity and the quality of its front players, who managed to overcome the opposing defense even under the pressure of the altitude. The assist for the goal demonstrated the good articulation of the plays of the team led by Leonardo Jardim, which is looking for victory in Peruvian territory.

Timeline: Principais moves until 76 minutes

The match has been full of important moments and here is a chronology of the most relevant moves so far:

Strategies and movements in the field

Both teams presented different tactical formations. Cusco FC, playing in a 4-5-1 formation, sought defensive solidity and counterattacks, trying to exploit the speed of their wingers. Já o Flamengo, with a 4-2-3-1, demonstrated a more offensive posture, using the creativity of their midfielders and the finishing ability of their attackers. The substitutions made by technicians Alejandro Orfila, from Cusco, and Leonardo Jardim, from Flamengo, indicate the search for tactical adjustments and greater balance on the field. The game remains open, with the two teams alternating in possession of the ball and in the initiative.

Tactical details of the first stage

The first half of the match ended without goals, but with several opportunities and a lot of intensity. Flamengo sought to control the actions, despite the pressure from the altitude, while Cusco defended itself well and tried to surprise with quick moves. Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo) had some shots from outside the area, saved by goalkeeper Pedro Díaz, showing the red-black’s intention to open the scoring. Lances set pieces, like corners, were exploited by both sides, but without success.

The Paraguayan referee Derlis Lopez had to intervene on several occasions, calling fouls and issuing a yellow card. The first stage was also marked by stoppages for medical care for players, such as Lucas Colitto (Cusco) and Bruno Henrique (Flamengo), which demonstrates the physical intensity of the confrontation. The pace of the match was high, with the teams studying each other and looking for gaps in the opposing defenses.

Reactions and expectations for the end of the game

Despite the advantage on the scoreboard, Flamengo cannot afford to relax, as Cusco has demonstrated its ability to react and plays with the massive support of its fans. The Peruvian team has invested in plays on the flanks and crosses into the area, trying to exploit the aerial ball.

The atmosphere is one of anticipation for the final minutes, which promise to be decisive. Possession of the ball has been disputed, and the ability to maintain concentration will be fundamental to the outcome. Flamengo seeks to secure the result, while Cusco races against time to reach a draw and add a crucial point at home.

The match continues with Flamengo trying to maintain possession of the ball and Cusco pressing in search of a draw. The duel for Libertadores remains electrifying and the last minutes will be decisive for the final result of this first clash of Grupo A. The intensity is great and any mistake could be fatal for either team on the field.