Leonardo Jardim calls up Flamengo with nine changes to face Vitória at Maracanã in the Copa do Brasil

Flamengo begins its journey in the fifth phase of Copa of Brasil this Wednesday against Vitória, in Maracanã, presenting a deeply modified formation. Coach Leonardo Jardim chose to preserve the main structure due to the physical wear and tear accumulated during the season. The match starts at 9:30 pm and represents the first duel in a confrontation that will only have its final chapter in May.

The squad’s rotation strategy aims to minimize the risk of muscle injuries before the interruption of the calendar for the Copa and Mundo dispute. Sem can count on key players in the midfield sector, the coaching staff took advantage of the last tactical training session to test defensive and offensive variations. The absence of Carrascal due to suspension forced immediate adjustments to the Portuguese coach’s initial planning.

ALÔ, NAÇÃO RUBRO-NEGRA!!!!!!! HOJE TEM O PENTACAMPEÃO DA COPA DO BRASIL EM CAMPO NO MARACAAAAAAA!

A partir das 21:30, a Casa do Inesquecível recebe entre Flamengo x Vitória pela @CopaDoBrasilCBF e o Mengão entra campo junto com a Nação!

🎟️ O apoio da Maior Torcida do Mundo é… pic.twitter.com/g8UxZjOuZr

— Flamengo (@Flamengo) April 22, 2026

Jorginho returns after recovery and should inherit a place in midfield

The big positive news for red and black fans is the medical clearance of midfielder Jorginho. The player was absent from the last four official matches due to an injury to his left calf that required intensive treatment. Ele worked without restrictions with the rest of the teammates during the activities held at Ninho’s Urubu this week.

Sua’s presence in the starting lineup offers more defensive balance and quality in passing the ball, rare characteristics in the current squad. Como the team lost Pulgar due to simultaneous injury and suspension, the return of the experienced scorer comes at a crucial moment. Jardim also assesses whether the athlete has the physical conditions to perform during the 90 minutes or whether he will enter progressively.

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• Rossi (or Andrew) occupies the red-black goal
• Emerson Royal and Ayrton Lucas on the sides
• Vitão gets opportunity alongside Danilo
• Evertton Araújo and De la Cruz complete the central zone
• Luiz Araújo and Bruno Henrique lead the attack

Ausências due to injury and suspension forces Jardim to improvise in the creative sector

The club’s medical department continues to experience high demand for care at this stage of the semester. Lucas Paquetá continues to recover from injury and has no plans to return for immediate clashes. His Além, the loss of Carrascal for the next three commitments creates a technical vacuum that is difficult to fill with the parts available on the reserves bench.

Essa shortage of midfielders could lead the team to play with a more physical trio of midfielders. The idea is to guarantee defensive solidity in Rio and Janeiro to decide the classification in the return game in Salvador. Wallace Yan and Saúl appear as immediate options if the coach decides to take a more aggressive stance during the second half of the match.

Vitória plans to explore the disintegration of Rio’s defensive system

Pelo on the Bahian opponent’s side, expectations revolve around taking advantage of the drastic changes made by Flamengo. Vitória arrives at Maracanã with the mission of bringing a manageable result to Barradão. The visiting team knows that the combination of the unprecedented defense duo formed by Vitão and Danilo could be a vulnerable point on Wednesday night.

The return game is scheduled for May 14th, a Thursday, at the northeastern club’s stadium. Até there, Flamengo hopes to have recovered part of the starters who will remain on the bench or were not even listed for this first leg. Jardim’s decision to “rotate the squad” will be tested under the pressure of the Rio fans who have sold out most of the available tickets.