Léo Ortiz explains squad ‘shielding’ before Flamengo run-in

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Coluna do Fla

·20 August 2026

Léo Ortiz explains squad ‘shielding’ before Flamengo run-in

What did Léo Ortiz say about Flamengo’s current moment?

Center back Léo Ortiz was one of the players who spoke after Flamengo secured qualification for the Libertadores quarterfinals. In the mixed zone at the Maracanã, the No. 3 made a point of praising the squad and explained how the group “shielded” itself to overcome this period of “turbulence” during the season.

– Moments like these can only be defined as Flamengo. The level of demand is very high, and when you go two games without winning, criticism starts. Bad moments happen, but fortunately we have great players who understand these moments and know that this stuff coming from outside cannot get inside the training ground and the dressing room -, he said, before concluding: – We know our ability in these big matches, not only in the Brasileirão but also in the Libertadores. To handle all of this, we have to shield ourselves and keep working -, said Léo Ortiz.

WHAT IS FLAMENGO’S CURRENT SITUATION IN THE 2026 SEASON?

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After the calendar resumed following the World Cup, Flamengo beat Chapecoense, but then went on to record two consecutive draws against São Paulo and Internacional. Because of this, some fans began to worry about the squad for the rest of the season.

Looking to change course, the squad made the most of the available time to train and managed to get back to winning ways. From that point on, things even started to change for Flamengo. As a result, in the Brasileirão, Rubro-Negro is just three points behind leaders Palmeiras, and in the Libertadores, they have qualified for the quarterfinals.

HOW DID FLAMENGO QUALIFY FOR THE LIBERTADORES QUARTERFINALS?

Flamengo faced Cruzeiro in the Libertadores round of 16. In the first leg, the teams drew 1-1 at Mineirão. Then at the Maracanã, Rubro-Negro won the match 2-1 and, with that, qualified for the quarterfinals. As a result, in the next round, Mengão will face the winner of the clash between Independiente del Valle (ECU) and Tolima (COL).

WHAT OTHER STATEMENTS DID LÉO ORTIZ MAKE AFTER FLAMENGO X CRUZEIRO?

RETURNING AT A HIGH LEVEL

– I’m happy with my return and with the whole process that was carried out. I was concerned about coming back well and not rushing it so that no injury would happen. I had never been injured before, and that worried me a little. It bothers me to be out of games. I ended up going to Portugal and couldn’t play. The process was done well, and we’re reaping the rewards in this return of mine.

THE FANS’ ROLE IN FLAMENGO’S QUALIFICATION

– I think it’s 50% us on the pitch and the other 50% the fans. They gave us a lot of strength, especially in the difficult moments. It wasn’t only here at the Maracanã, but also at Mineirão. When this group comes together with the Nation, it’s very hard to beat Flamengo.

WHAT IS FLAMENGO’S NEXT MATCH?

With Léo Ortiz available, Flamengo return to the pitch this Saturday (22) to face Cruzeiro again, this time in the Brasileirão. In short, the ball starts rolling at 8:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at Mineirão. As a result, Coluna do Fla TV, as usual, will show the details of the match with on-site coverage from Rodrigo Lima and Rock Hudson on YouTube, as well as on the website and social media.

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