Coluna do Fla
·16 September 2026
Adriano causes a stir at Libertadores Experience, backs Flamengo's fifth

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Yahoo sportsColuna do Fla
·16 September 2026

There was a celebrity at the Libertadores Experience in Rio de Janeiro. Adriano Imperador, a Flamengo idol, was present at the event in Botafogo Cove and caused a stir among the crowd as he stopped to greet them. ‘Didico’ also stressed his desire to see the Rubro-Negro win a fifth title.
– It’s a remarkable moment for any player. It makes you want to be out there, score a few goals, and feel that atmosphere again from the sideline. Getting a taste of that here again brings back good nostalgia, and this title certainly carries huge weight for every athlete –, said the former player, who added:
– Flamengo has a massive history and the fans expect the club to win another trophy. I’m very happy to be remembered and to be here representing this shirt, even though I didn’t win it. For me, being here means so much –, he said on the official Libertadores profile.
The security team asked the Emperor to go straight to the reserved area at the event. However, the idol insisted on stopping to greet the fans. As a result, the former player signed many shirts and took lots of selfies. The commotion got to the point that the former striker had to be surrounded by several guards.
“Man, God willing, 2-0.” That was the Emperor’s prediction for the score between Flamengo and Independiente Del Valle (ECU). The ball gets rolling for the second leg this Thursday (17) at the Maracanã.
From September 16 to 20, 2026, the Conmebol Libertadores Experience opens its doors to the public in Botafogo Cove. The idea is to bring fans closer to the history, passion, and greatness of the tournament. Historic names from across the continent will be circulating through the venue throughout the week, which explains the crowd’s excitement at seeing the Rubro-Negro idol.
At the event, the former striker received a replica of the Copa América trophy. The memento directly recalls Adriano’s stunning goal against Argentina in the 2004 final. The tribute also reinforces Conmebol’s affection for the Rubro-Negro idol’s history in South American football.
According to the Emperor, the score from the first leg between Fla and Del Valle will be repeated in the return match. However, Mengo can even lose by one goal in the second leg and still advance to the Libertadores semifinal. Kickoff is this Thursday (17) at 9:30 p.m. Brasília time at the Maracanã.
ESPN, on cable TV, and Disney+, via streaming, will broadcast the match live. In addition, Coluna do Fla will cover every detail of the clash on its website, YouTube, and social media.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.







































