Flamengo leads Independiente del Valle after Léo Pereira header

Flamengo established a 2-0 lead against Independiente del Valle on September 10, 2026, at the Estádio Olímpico Atahualpa in Quito during the first leg of the CONMEBOL Libertadores quarterfinals when defender Léo Pereira headed the ball into the net at the 75th minute. The scoring play developed from a corner kick taken from the left side of the opposing penalty area.

The match continues in Quito.

Prior to that header, forward Bruno Henrique opened the score in the 61st minute by striking with his right foot inside the Ecuadorian club’s goal area. Independiente del Valle sought quick counterattacks through midfielder Júnior Sornoza but failed to break the opposing defensive line. Goalkeeper Agustín Rossi handled aerial crosses cleanly to protect the advantage built by the visiting squad.

Key plays and scoring actions at Estádio Olímpico Atahualpa

• Carlos González strikes a right-footed shot against the Flamengo goalpost from the center of the box at the 20th minute of the first half.
• Djorkaeff Reasco replaces Carlos González at the 46th minute of the second half following an on-field medical assessment.
• Bruno Henrique converts from inside the six-yard box with his right foot at the 61st minute of the second half to make it 1-0.
• Head coach Leonardo Jardim introduces Lucas Paquetá and Gonzalo Plata for Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Jorge Carrascal at the 72nd minute of the second half.
• Léo Pereira heads the ball into the left corner following a corner kick at the 75th minute of the second half to score the second goal.
• Matías Perelló directs a header toward the left corner of the box at the 80th minute of the second half before Brazilian defenders clear the danger.

Referee Facundo Raúl Tello Figueroa issued yellow cards to Erick Pulgar and Mateo Carabajal during the second half of the match.

Understand the case: Flamengo takes control in Quito with Bruno Henrique goal

Second-half tactical substitutions made by Leonardo Jardim and Joaquin Papa

Manager Leonardo Jardim refreshed his midfield by sending on Lucas Paquetá and Gonzalo Plata in the 72nd minute of the game. Immediately after conceding the second goal, coach Joaquin Papa countered by bringing on Ronald Briones and Matías Perelló for Independiente del Valle. Ronald Briones gathered a pass inside the box in the 79th minute and sent his shot wide of the baseline.

More on this story: Quito hosts Flamengo in Libertadores quarterfinal first leg

During the opening half, the home side attempted mid-range efforts through Jordy Alcívar and Emerson Pata. The Brazilian side maintained midfield possession to withstand pressure from the hosts at high altitude in Quito.

Tracking real-time action throughout the CONMEBOL Libertadores tournament

Audiences follow live minute-by-minute action and scoring updates across digital services during the decisive stages of the CONMEBOL Libertadores. Instant alerts deliver pivotal plays, disciplinary cards and goals from continental fixtures straight to personal mobile devices. Supporters monitor decisive knockout clashes across South America as clubs battle for a place in the tournament semifinals.

Learn more: Flamengo secures two-goal Copa Libertadores edge in Quito

At the 80th minute, Matías Perelló connected with a header on the left side of the six-yard box before the opposing defenders blocked his attempt.