Duel Flamengo x Corinthians defines 1st semifinalist of Libertadores

Flamengo welcomes Corinthians tonight (Aug. 9) for the second and decisive match of the quarter-finals of Copa Libertadores, in front of a packed Maracanã Stadium. 65,000 tickets have been sold.

The red-black team enters the field at an advantage, having won the first match by 2 to 0 in São Paulo. Even losing 1-0, it still qualifies for the semifinals. Corinthians, on the other hand, only advances if it wins by three goals during the 90-minute game – if it wins by just two, the spot will be decided on penalties.

In tonight’s match, Flamengo`s coach Dorival Júnior will probably take to the field the same squad that triumphed last Tuesday (Aug. 2) in São Paulo: Santos; Rodinei, David Luiz, Léo Pereira, Filipe Luis; Thiago Maia, João Gomes, Everton Ribeiro, De Arrascaeta; Gabriel Barbosa and Pedro.

Just like Flamengo, Corinthians is competing in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil, and it is the current vice-leader of the Brazilian Championship.

The likely lineup of Corinthians shall have Cássio; Fagner, Bruno Méndez, Balbuena and Fábio Santos; Cantillo (Fausto Vera), Du Queiroz and Renato Augusto; Róger Guedes (Willian) and Yuri Alberto.