Lucas Paquetá’s dream of winning the Libertadores with Flamengo

In partnership with

Coluna do Fla

·11 August 2026

Lucas Paquetá’s dream of winning the Libertadores with Flamengo

Lucas Paquetá watched Flamengo win three Libertadores titles as a fan

Flamengo is getting ready to face Cruzeiro this Wednesday (12) in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16. The most expensive signing in the club’s history, Lucas Paquetá opened up about his dream of winning the continental title wearing the Sacred Jersey.

— It’s a competition I dream of winning with this shirt. I was very happy as a fan throughout all these years, watching all of Flamengo’s achievements. And today, once again, being able to step onto the field wearing Flamengo’s shirt in this competition is special to me -, he said, before concluding:

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— And I hope I can win this competition and enjoy that moment as a player as well. But beyond all that, what I most want to experience is that parade float celebrating a Libertadores title with the Flamengo fans. I keep picturing it in my head -, Paquetá concluded.

View this photo on InstagramA post shared by ge (@ge.globo)

Is Lucas Paquetá preparing for revenge against Cruzeiro?

Lucas Paquetá’s last knockout-stage Libertadores match for Flamengo came in 2018. On that occasion, Rubro-Negro was eliminated in the round of 16 by Cruzeiro. At the Maracanã, the Minas Gerais side won 2-0, with goals from Arrascaeta and Thiago Neves.

In the return leg, at Mineirão, Flamengo won only 1-0, with a goal from Léo Duarte, and failed to qualify. About to face Cruzeiro this Wednesday (12), Lucas Paquetá recalled Fla’s elimination.

I’d be lying if I said I’m not thinking about this match. It’s something special to me. It was an elimination that left me sad. I hope to come out on top this time,” Lucas Paquetá said at a press conference after being asked by reporter Rodrigo Lima from Coluna do Fla.

What is Flamengo’s next match?

With Lucas Paquetá available, Flamengo faces Cruzeiro this Wednesday (12) in the first leg of the round of 16. Kickoff is at 9:30 p.m. Brasília time at Mineirão. The return leg, meanwhile, will take place on August 19 at the Maracanã.

As tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla brings all the details of Flamengo’s 2026 season. So stay tuned to the website, social media, and YouTube. In addition, Globo (free-to-air TV), GE TV (YouTube), and Paramount+ (streaming) will broadcast the match against Cruzeiro.

Who will Flamengo face in the next stages of the Libertadores?

If they beat Cruzeiro, Flamengo will advance to the quarterfinals to face Tolima (COL) or Independiente del Valle (ECU). In the semifinals, Rubro-Negro could meet Estudiantes (ARG), Universidad Católica (CHI), Rosario Central (ARG), or Corinthians.

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