Flamengo is in the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores! On the night of this Thursday (22), at Hernando Siles, over 3,600m above sea level, Mengão lost to Bolívar 1-0, but secured qualification for the next phase of the continental tournament, thanks to the advantage built in the first leg.
It is worth remembering that the team led by Tite defeated the Bolivian team at Maracanã by 2-0. Thus, the minimal defeat did not eliminate the red-black team.
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With the qualification, Flamengo will now face Peñarol from Uruguay in the quarter-finals.
The Match
As expected, it was Bolívar who created the main opportunities of the match. With the altitude in their favor, the home team took advantage of plays down the sidelines and crosses into the area, but Flamengo’s defense was attentive and managed to cut the plays.
The first big chance of the game came from Vaca, who finished weakly after a good play by Bruno Sávio. Rossi made an easy save.
Even playing away and under pressure, Flamengo had a great chance to open the score just 16 minutes in. Gerson received the ball free, but took too long to finish and was dispossessed. Soon after, Carlinhos also received the ball in a good position but shot over the goal.
While Flamengo escaped in rare opportunities, Bolívar took several risks. Oviedo, Sávio, and Vaca worried the defenders, but they couldn’t break the deadlock, and the match went into halftime at 0-0.
Right in the first play of the second half, Ayrton Lucas broke through on goal but missed the target.
After the scare, Bolívar grew more confident. First, Bruno Sávio hit the crossbar. Then, the number 10 found space in the area to open the scoring for the home team.
Needing one more goal to tie on aggregate, Bolívar increased the pressure on Flamengo and pinned Tite’s team in their defensive half. Despite the pressure, the home team couldn’t create a clear opportunity to score a second goal.
In the 45th minute of the second half, Bruno Henrique outpaced Anderson, who had to foul him and was sent off for being the last man.
Next Phase
With the spot secured, Flamengo will face Peñarol in the quarter-finals. The Uruguayan team eliminated The Strongest, with an aggregate score of 4-1.
Next Game
Mengão will play again next Sunday (20). At 8 PM (Brasília time), Tite’s team will host Red Bull Bragantino at Maracanã for the 24th round of the Brazilian Championship.