Flamengo end four-year wait to decide Libertadores knockout at the Maracanã | OneFootball

Flamengo host Cruzeiro at the Maracanã on Wednesday, ending a four-year wait to decide a Libertadores knockout at home.

As reported by Globo.com, Flamengo topped their group this season, restoring the chance to close out an eliminator in front of their fans.

The wait owed to three straight group-stage runner-up finishes. Racing led their pool in 2023, Bolívar in 2024, and LDU in 2025.

Their previous home decider came in the 2022 semi-final, a 2-1 win over Vélez Sarsfield at the Maracanã.

Head coach Leonardo Jardim said the side have evolved and expects another strong contest. He added that, with home backing, they believe they can produce a good performance as both teams chase qualification.

In the Brasileirão, Flamengo are second with 45 points, three behind Palmeiras with a game in hand. They face Cruzeiro again on Saturday at the Mineirão.

Source: Globo.com

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