Cruzeiro turn to under-21s as Flamengo unleash R$ 400 million bench in Libertadores draw | OneFootball

According to Globo.com, Cruzeiro and Flamengo drew in the Libertadores last 16 opener at the Mineirão, a night defined by the gulf between the benches. Cruzeiro leaned on under-21 options, Flamengo could call on signings worth more than R$ 400 million.

Artur Jorge’s choices were restricted by injuries to Gabriel Pec, signed for R$ 60 million, and Luís Sinisterra, plus suspensions for Romero and Fagner. Both clubs rank among Brazil’s biggest spenders, alongside Palmeiras.

The Cruzeiro coach used three of his five changes, introducing midfielder Zé Lucas, 18, and forwards João Costa, 21, and Kaique Kenji, 20. Zé Lucas and João Costa made their Libertadores debuts.

Zé Lucas arrived in the mid-year window for R$ 25 million and had attracted Flamengo’s interest, while João Costa joined on a one-year loan. Kenji is a homegrown forward who stepped up to the senior squad last year.

Leonardo Jardim also had notable absences, with Alex Sandro, Vitão, Cebolinha and Luiz Araújo unavailable, yet Flamengo’s bench remained stacked.

He made four second-half substitutions, bringing on Guillermo Varella, Carrascal, Lucas Paquetá and Pedro. The first three featured at this year’s World Cup, while Pedro played for Brazil in 2022.

Together, Paquetá, Carrascal and Pedro have cost Flamengo about R$ 420 million across recent deals. Also among the substitutes were Spain’s Saúl Ñíguez, long associated with Atlético de Madrid, and Uruguay’s Nico de La Cruz, a 2024 signing for almost R$ 80 million who also played at the last World Cup.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”