Léo Ortiz's double wait: Libertadores in Quito and Serena's birth | OneFootball

Flamengo center-back spoke about the impact of altitude in the Libertadores quarterfinals and the expectation surrounding Serena’s birth

Léo Ortiz highlighted two different topics on Mengo Cast that are on his mind at this stage of the season. That is because the center-back fears altitude could affect Flamengo’s game in the Libertadores quarterfinals, where they will face Independiente del Valle (ECU). The defender also spoke about the expectation surrounding the birth of his first daughter, Serena.

What did Léo Ortiz say about the effect of altitude?

– It’s always complicated. Anyone who says it’s no big deal has never been there. In La Paz, against Bolívar (BOL), it’s almost impossible to play; it even becomes a health issue because of the physical effort –, said Léo Ortiz, who added:

– In Quito, against Del Valle and LDU, the speed of the ball changes a lot, and they’re used to shooting from distance because they train there. But it’s possible to play if we’re smart. We can’t approach it the same way we do at the Maracanã; we need to think through every action more carefully –, he said.

What are the effects of altitude on the human body?

High altitude reduces the amount of oxygen available to the body during physical exertion. Therefore, athletes who are not adapted get tired more quickly and see a drop in performance on the field.

So, the human body needs a period of acclimatization to lessen these effects. In that sense, Léo Ortiz’s explanation about the change in the ball’s speed is also directly related to altitude.

When is the match between Independiente del Valle and Flamengo?

Before the clash in Quito, Flamengo have a scheduled match against Remo in the Brasileirão. Therefore, the game takes place this Sunday (06), starting at 4 p.m. Brasília time, at Mangueirão Stadium in Belém. Only after that match will the squad turn its full attention to the continental showdown.

Léo Ortiz awaits the birth of his daughter Serena

Besides altitude, Léo Ortiz also showed excitement about becoming a father for the first time soon. The player said he can’t wait to walk onto the Maracanã pitch with his daughter while wearing the Sacred Jersey.

– It’s going to be incredible. I think every player dreams of experiencing the emotion of wearing the Sacred Jersey at the Maracanã with all the fans there. I hope it happens soon. If not this year, then next year Serena will definitely be there on the field with us –, said Léo Ortiz.

The Flamengo center-back married doctor Maitê Lo Sardo in January 2026, in the countryside of São Paulo. She is pregnant with Serena, the couple’s first daughter, who is expected to be born in early 2027.

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