Can Flamengo v Cruzeiro go to extra time? Libertadores rules | OneFootball

Flamengo and Cruzeiro decide another Libertadores quarterfinalist this Wednesday (19)

Flamengo and Cruzeiro face each other again this Wednesday (19) in a match worth a spot in the Copa Libertadores da América quarterfinals. In the first leg, at Mineirão, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, which increases the chances that the clash will not be decided by the end of regular time, since away goals are not used as a tiebreaker.

The Libertadores also does not have extra time in the round of 16, quarterfinals, or semifinals. Therefore, if the aggregate score is tied after the two matches, the spot will be decided directly by a penalty shootout.

That means Flamengo knows exactly what it needs to do to avoid a dramatic penalty decision. A win at the Maracanã sends the Rubro-Negro to the quarterfinals, regardless of the score. On the other hand, any Cruzeiro win guarantees qualification for the Minas Gerais side. If there is another draw, whether 0-0, 1-1, or any other equal score, the match will go to penalties.

SEE THE SCENARIOS:

Besides the spot, this Wednesday’s (19) clash will also determine who advances on one side of the bracket that could set up a Colombian or Ecuadorian opponent next. That is because the winner of Flamengo x Cruzeiro will face, in the quarterfinals, whoever comes out on top between Tolima (COL) and Independiente del Valle (ECU). In the first leg, the Ecuadorian team won 1-0 in Colombia and now plays for a draw in the return leg, scheduled for next Tuesday (25), in Ecuador.

WHAT IS THE AUTHOR’S OPINION?

“Flamengo needs to make the most of the Maracanã factor to secure qualification in regular time. The draw at Mineirão left the tie wide open, but the Rubro-Negro has what it takes to control the match and avoid a penalty shootout. Also, advancing without suffering could give the team even more confidence for the rest of its Libertadores campaign.

That is why taking the lead early would be the best-case scenario for Flamengo. A goal would force Cruzeiro to push further forward and, consequently, open up spaces for the Rubro-Negro to exploit. In that context, the desire shown by the Mengão players in recent matches could be decisive.

The squad is fantastic on its own, but when it combines technical quality, intensity, and commitment, Flamengo becomes even stronger. So, with the Nação pushing at the Maracanã and the players maintaining that approach, the Rubro-Negro has everything it needs to go after qualification,” said Mônica Alves, a journalist for Coluna do Fla.

WHERE TO WATCH FLAMENGO x CRUZEIRO TODAY?

The match between Flamengo and Cruzeiro will be broadcast by Rede Globo on pay TV. In addition, GETV on YouTube and Paramount+ via streaming will also show the decisive clash. As usual, Coluna do Fla will cover every detail of the match on three fronts: the website, YouTube, and social media.

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