Coluna do Fla
·15 September 2026
Flamengo's record against Independiente del Valle at the Maracanã

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Yahoo sportsColuna do Fla
·15 September 2026

Flamengo return to action this Thursday (17) against Independiente del Valle (ECU). The match is the second leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals. In search of a semifinal spot, Mengão hope to rely on their overwhelmingly positive record against the Ecuadorian team at the Maracanã.
Flamengo have never lost to Del Valle on home soil in Rio. There have been three meetings, with three wins for the Rubro-Negro. That means Mengão have a 100% record against the Ecuadorian side, with eight goals scored and none conceded.
Despite the favorable record, the last meeting between the teams at the Sacred Temple was marked by a painful ending for Flamengo. That is because, in the 2023 Recopa Sudamericana, the Rubro-Negro won 1-0 in regular time, with a dramatic stoppage-time goal from Arrascaeta. The strike leveled the aggregate score from the first leg. However, the title slipped away in the penalty shootout.
From the spot, the perfect script built by the then No. 14 took a cruel turn. The Uruguayan midfielder had put on the 'hero's cape' by finding the net in the final minute. However, his penalty was saved by goalkeeper Ramírez, and Flamengo missed the only attempt of the shootout. That lone mistake proved costly and handed the continental trophy to Independiente del Valle.
Despite the bitter memory of 2023, the history of this matchup with the Ecuadorians also includes a trophy celebrated by the fans at the Maracanã. In 2020, Flamengo won their first-ever Recopa Sudamericana title by beating Independiente del Valle 3-0.
On that occasion, the rubro-negra team was coached by Jorge Jesus. The goals in the win that sparked celebrations among the Nação were scored by Gabigol and Gerson, with the latter netting twice.
The match between Flamengo and Independiente del Valle takes place this Thursday (17), in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. Kickoff is at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã.
Flamengo can lose by as many as one goal and still advance to the next round. However, the knockout stage does not have extra time. Therefore, if the aggregate score is level, the tie goes straight to penalties.
As tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla details every step of the Rubro-Negro throughout the 2026 season. The coverage includes on-site reporting from Simon Lédo, Rock Hudson, and Rodrigo Lima. So follow all the details on the website, social media, and YouTube. In addition, ESPN on cable TV and Disney+ via streaming will broadcast the match live.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.







































