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Flamengo hosts Independiente Medellín with the return of Cebolinha and maintenance of the starting team

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Pedro, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira e Cebolinha
Pedro, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira e Cebolinha - Adriano Fontes / Flamengo

Flamengo enters the field this Thursday, at 9:30 pm, to face Independiente Medellín in Maracanã in the second round of the Conmebol Libertadores group stage. Após win three consecutive matches, the red-black team tries to maintain the momentum in the continental competition in front of their fans. Coach Leonardo Jardim must, for the first time since taking charge, repeat the initial formation in his tenth game in charge of the Rio club.

The preparation for the confrontation brought positive news to the technical committee on Ninho of Urubu. Everton Cebolinha and Saúl were released by the medical department and participated in activities with the rest of the squad. Cebolinha was sidelined due to a fractured rib suffered against Bragantino, while Saúl was recovering from surgery on his left heel that prevented him from playing this season. The presence of both on the final list depends only on a physical assessment on the morning of the game, but the striker is already expected on the bench.

Leonardo Jardim’s strategy for continental confrontation

The decision to maintain the base that won the classic against Fluminense by 2-1 reflects the search for integration at a crucial moment of the season. Lucas Paquetá will be maintained in the role of second steering wheel, a position in which he has performed satisfactorily recently. The lineup considered “maximum strength” is a priority, since the postponement of previous commitments in the state championship allowed the starters greater breathing room to compete in the South American tournament.

The defensive sector also gains stability with the sequence of the duo Léo Ortiz and Léo Pereira, protecting the goal defended by Rossi. Nas full-backs, Varela and Alex Sandro remain the main options to provide balance between marking and supporting the attack. In midfield, the structure is completed with Evertton Araújo and Arrascaeta, responsible for providing the offensive trio made up of Gonzalo Plata, Léo Pereira0 and the center forward Léo Pereira1.

Preparation details and likely formation

The official confirmation of the team only happens after the activation activity scheduled for the day of the match, a common practice in the management of Jardim. Internamente, the technical committee monitors the level of pain of Cebolinha, as the bone injury requires caution in physical contacts. Caso the newly released athletes do not present restrictions, they become important options to change the pace of the game in the second stage, especially in a tournament that requires squad depth like the Libertadores.

The list of athletes available for the match must include:

  • Goalkeepers: Rossi and immediate reserves
  • Defenders: Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, Alex Sandro, Wesley and Fabrício Bruno
  • Midfielders: Evertton Araújo, Lucas Paquetá, Arrascaeta, De la Cruz and Allan
  • Forwards: Pedro, Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino, Everton Cebolinha and Saúl

The expectation is that Maracanã will receive a large audience to support the team in its attempt to assume leadership of the group. The Colombian opponent arrives at Rio from Janeiro with the mission of scoring away from home, which should require patience from Flamengo when exchanging passes. Jardim emphasized in training the need to put pressure on the ball to avoid quick counterattacks from Independiente Medellín.

Physical situation of Cebolinha and Saúl in the medical department

The case of Everton Cebolinha has received special attention in recent weeks due to the nature of the rib injury. The player progressed quickly in the healing process and carried out specific work to regain mobility without respiratory or muscular discomfort. Já Saúl’s situation involved a longer physical conditioning process, given the period of inactivity after the surgical procedure on the heel, this being his first real opportunity to appear on a call-up list in 2026.

Although the coach spared players in the debut against Cusco due to the altitude, the scenario is now one of full mobilization of the main names. The board and technical committee understand that securing points at home is essential to avoid complications in the final stretch of the group stage. The club seeks to repeat its dominance at home, something that has been a hallmark of recent victorious campaigns in the competition.

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