Flamengo player makes Libertadores debut today against Internacional | OneFootball

Saúl is once again a starter for Flamengo alongside Jorginho

After receiving praise from coach Filipe Luís, the Spaniard Saúl Ñíguez will once again be a starter and will debut in the Libertadores this Wednesday (20), against Internacional, in the second leg of the round of 16. Therefore, with a 1-0 aggregate lead, the midfielder aims to help Flamengo advance in the tournament at Beira-Rio.

Until now, Saúl had never played in Brazilian football, having spent part of his career between England and Spain. He has extensive experience in the Champions League but had never competed in the Libertadores. However, there's a first time for everything, and once again alongside Jorginho, the Spaniard will be a starter in Filipe Luís's team.

Jorginho and Saúl?

Besides having played together for a brief period at Chelsea, Saúl and Jorginho formed a good midfield duo against Internacional last Sunday (17) in the Brasileirão. Their performance made Filipe Luís 'tip his hat' to his former Atlético de Madrid (ESP) teammate.

— Saúl played a great game, an excellent game. When he joined Flamengo, he hadn't trained with any team and was on vacation. Until he got into physical shape, I tried to give him minutes. He rarely gets injured. This midfield role is so important in my team; it's the heart of my team and demands a lot. It's not simple for him to come in and play. I felt he was ready. He significantly raised the team's level -, said the coach after the victory in the Brasileirão.

Who are the starters?

With a minimal lead on the scoreboard, Filipe Luís lined up: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Jorginho, Saúl and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino and Bruno Henrique. Thus, Pedro and Luiz Araújo remain on the bench alongside other players.

What time is Flamengo vs. Internacional?

With Saúl as a starter, Flamengo faces Internacional this Wednesday (20) at 9:30 PM (Brasília time) at Beira-Rio Stadium, in the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. Thus, Coluna do Fla provides all the information before and after the match.

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