Flamengo reach Libertadores semi-finals as Leonardo Jardim hails Independiente del Valle and eyes Estudiantes test | OneFootball

Flamengo reached the Copa Libertadores semi-finals after a 1-1 draw with Independiente del Valle on Thursday. Coach Leonardo Jardim underlined the calibre of the opponents his side have faced in the competition.

According to Coluna Do Fla, Flamengo will face Estudiantes in the last four after overcoming Independiente del Valle. They won the first leg 2-0 in the altitude of Quito, then drew 1-1 at the Maracanã to progress 3-1 on aggregate.

Jardim said the semi-final line-up shows how strong their group was, with both qualifiers now in the last four. He praised del Valle as an intense team with clear principles and the capacity to sustain their tempo.

He added that Estudiantes are familiar opponents and their value is known, noting the energy and quality they have shown in recent Libertadores campaigns. He also cited Cruzeiro’s quality, stressing that every opponent is strong and Flamengo must prepare well, respect all and impose their ideas.

Estudiantes reached the semi-finals by knocking out Corinthians, drawing 1-1 in La Plata before a 1-0 win at the Neo Química Arena. The ties are set for the weeks of 14 and 21 October, with the first leg in Argentina and the return at the Maracanã after Flamengo’s superior overall campaign.

The clubs met in the group stage, drawing 1-1 in Argentina before Flamengo won 1-0 at the Maracanã. Jardim’s side now switch focus to the Brasileirão, hosting Red Bull Bragantino on Sunday 20 at 18:30 Brasília time.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

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