Flamengo hand squad day off after 2-0 at Independiente del Valle in Libertadores | OneFootball

Flamengo were given a day off after beating Independiente del Valle 2-0 in the Libertadores quarter-final first leg on Thursday. The squad returned to Rio de Janeiro on Friday morning.

According to Coluna Do Fla, an 11:30 training session scheduled for Friday was scrapped, with Leonardo Jardim granting rest following the altitude exertions in Quito.

Players will report back on Saturday morning. Training starts at 11:00, Brasília time.

Independiente del Valle controlled the first half, posting 10 shots to none and using the 2,850-metre altitude to press. Flamengo held firm to reach the interval goalless.

After the break the visitors found their edge. Bruno Henrique struck 15 minutes into the second half, and Léo Pereira added a second 29 minutes into the half.

With a 2-0 advantage, Flamengo can lose the return by up to one goal and still progress to the semi-finals. The second leg is on Thursday 17 at the Maracanã, 21:30, Brasília time.

Before that, they face Corinthians at the Maracanã on Sunday in round 27 of the Brasileirão, kick-off 17:30, Brasília time. Flamengo lead with 54 points, one ahead of Palmeiras on 53.

Palmeiras host São Paulo on Saturday at the Nubank Parque from 18:30, so Flamengo will take the field knowing that result. Leonardo Jardim’s side still control top spot.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

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