Flamengo turn to Libertadores, plan for Quito altitude before Del Valle test | OneFootball

Fresh from a 1-0 win at Remo at the Mangueirão that put them top of Série A, Flamengo turn to the Libertadores and a Thursday trip to Independiente del Valle in Quito at 21:30 Brasília time.

According to Globo.com, the squad will arrive early in Ecuador to adapt to the 2,850m altitude and quicker ball speed in thinner air.

Ayrton Lucas said the group know the venue from past trips and must be patient to take a positive result, then finish at home. Goalkeeper Rossi noted their altitude know-how but warned Del Valle’s form points to a demanding assignment.

Saúl faces altitude for the first time and views the forecast 10-degree conditions as welcome after recent heat, stressing that a two-leg tie demands calm heads. New signing Freitas recalled playing at 2,640m in Bogotá and said managing the conditions could be decisive in Quito.

Danilo underlined that Libertadores nights test more than football, from travel and altitude to differing refereeing cultures, and expects a fierce duel. Head coach Leonardo Jardim rested only Pulgar against Remo and, when asked if a draw would suffice in Quito, targeted keeping the contest alive for the Maracanã return.

Del Valle recently won 16 in a row, then drew 2-2 with Universidad Católica and lost 2-1 to Barcelona de Guayaquil, before beating Macará 3-1 in their last match.

Source: Globo.com

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