Best Libertadores draw for Flamengo? Del Valle or Tolima, pros and cons | OneFootball

Flamengo will learn their quarterfinal opponent this Tuesday (25)

The last team to qualify for the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores de América will be decided this Tuesday (25). Independiente del Valle (ECU) and Deportes Tolima (COL) face off at Banco Guayaquil Stadium, at Quito’s high altitude. The home side has the advantage, having won the first leg in Colombia 1-0. Whoever advances will face Flamengo.

The match kicks off at 9:30 PM (Brasília time). While the ball isn’t rolling, Coluna do Fla has put together three pros and cons for each team so you can decide which would be the best opponent for Flamengo in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals.

WHAT ARE DEL VALLE’S PROS AND CONS?

BAD FOR FLAMENGO

If Del Valle qualifies, Flamengo will have to deal with the feared altitude of Quito. The city sits 2,850 meters above sea level. On top of that, the Ecuadorian side is in spectacular form, having won the domestic title with six rounds to spare. Finally, the team is on an impressive run of 15 straight wins across all competitions.

GOOD FOR FLAMENGO

On the other hand, from a logistics standpoint, it is better to travel to Quito than to Ibagué, Tolima’s home city. That’s because Ecuador’s capital is 6,605 kilometers away. The Colombian team’s city, meanwhile, is 8,000 kilometers away, with an additional four-hour bus ride required. Also, Del Valle does not have a large fan base, so Flamengo would not have to deal with an intimidating atmosphere. Finally, the team has little tradition in the Libertadores, with a runner-up finish ten years ago as its best campaign.

WHAT ARE TOLIMA’S PROS AND CONS?

BAD FOR FLAMENGO

If Tolima goes through, Flamengo will face complicated travel logistics. The flight would land in Bogotá, and from there it’s another four-hour bus ride to Ibagué. Another warning sign is the team’s strength at home. Despite the loss to Del Valle in the Round of 16, the team earned big Libertadores wins in front of its fans, such as a 3-0 victory over powerhouse Nacional (URU) and another 3-0 win over Coquimbo Unido (CHI), which also reached the Round of 16. Finally, Colombian teams play with freedom, with a touch of recklessness.

GOOD FOR FLAMENGO

Ibagué is 1,285 meters above sea level, meaning the altitude does not significantly affect players who are not used to it. Tolima’s Libertadores campaign was a struggle, as they advanced in second place in their group with only eight points (two wins, two draws, and two losses). Their current form is not the best either. In the most recent Colombian Apertura, they finished sixth. In the current Clausura, they are third, but only five rounds have been played.

WHEN WILL THE LIBERTADORES QUARTERFINALS BE?

Flamengo vs. Del Valle or Tolima will take place on September 8 and 10 in the first leg, while the return matches will be played between September 15 and 17. Since they had a better campaign than both possible opponents, Mengão will play the first match away from Brazil and then decide the tie at the Maracanã.

WHERE TO WATCH DEL VALLE VS. TOLIMA?

The match that directly interests Flamengo starts at 9:30 PM (Brasília time) at Banco Guayaquil Stadium in Quito, Ecuador. The clash will be broadcast on Paramount Plus via streaming. However, Coluna do Fla will bring details of the duel as soon as the final whistle blows.

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