Artur Jorge admits Cruzeiro fatigue before Flamengo Libertadores clash

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Coluna do Fla

·17 August 2026

Artur Jorge admits Cruzeiro fatigue before Flamengo Libertadores clash

Flamengo and Cruzeiro decide the Libertadores round of 16

Flamengo is on Artur Jorge’s mind. That is because the Cruzeiro coach sees the second leg of the Libertadores round of 16 as a final. So, the Portuguese manager admitted the fatigue after defeating Corinthians in the 23rd round of the Brasileirão at Neo Química Arena.

— It’s a very demanding period for us, but we have to prepare in the same way, because what helps mask the tiredness is winning. We need to have the ability to fight and always try to win, because winning brings a different energy and makes us emotionally stronger — highlighted Artur Jorge, who added:

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— We all have to have that ambition in order to bring that intensity to the games. Our first Libertadores final will already be on Wednesday (19) — he said during the press conference in São Paulo.

What did Artur Jorge mean by a ‘demanding period’?

Cruzeiro is one of the teams competing in three competitions: the Brasileirão, the Libertadores, and the Copa do Brasil. As such, the coach has complained about the number of absences due to injury. The Portuguese manager, for example, does not have defensive midfielder Matheus Henrique available.

Is the second leg between Flamengo and Cruzeiro already decided?

The teams drew 1-1 in the first leg at Mineirão. If the tie remains at the Maracanã, the place in the quarterfinals will be decided on penalties. So, the winner will face the result of Tolima vs. Independiente del Valle.

What time is Flamengo vs. Cruzeiro?

Now, Flamengo switches focus to the Copa Libertadores. On Wednesday (19), the Rubro-Negro face Cruzeiro in the second leg of the round of 16 of the South American tournament. The match kicks off at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã.

It is important to highlight that, in the first leg at Mineirão, Flamengo and Cruzeiro drew 1-1. So, the Rubro-Negro host the Minas Gerais side at the Maracanã with the tie still unresolved.

What is the author’s opinion on Artur Jorge’s remarks?

It’s tough for everyone. After all, if Cruzeiro had been eliminated from any competition, the fans would be upset,” said João Vítor Reis of Coluna do Fla, who added: “That’s Flamengo’s situation. The Copa do Brasil was not the priority, but nobody expected them to be knocked out that early. The good side was the nine days to train, which considerably improved the team’s performance,” he opined.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.