Pulgar named ‘Hero of the week’ in Libertadores after Flamengo semis | OneFootball

The midfielder stood out after Flamengo had a player sent off against Independiente del Valle (ECU)

One of the standout players in Flamengo’s qualification for the Libertadores semifinals against Independiente del Valle (ECU), Erick Pulgar was named the competition’s ‘Hero of the Week’. Wearing the No. 5 shirt, he stood out defensively last Thursday (17) after Rubro-Negro were reduced to 10 men during the match.

In the video released on social media, the South American tournament’s official account highlighted the player’s main moments. “Erick Pulgar, the #HeroOfTheWeek after the CONMEBOL #Libertadores Quarterfinals! The Chilean Flamengo footballer received the most votes from the fans,” it wrote.

DEFENSIVE STANDOUT?

Erick Pulgar stood out in the 1-1 draw with Independiente del Valle for leading Flamengo’s midfield in tackles, interceptions, and ball recoveries. The defensive midfielder took on a major tactical role in the decisive match and showed just how important he was in preserving the advantage the Rio side had built in the first leg (2-0), played at altitude in Quito.

In addition, the Chilean player had to double his physical efforts on the pitch after Jorginho was sent off. In short, his defensive consistency under heavy pressure at the Maracanã was the difference-maker. That solid display and his crucial role in stopping the opposition’s attacks gave the team the stability it needed to secure qualification for the Libertadores semifinals.

WHEN ARE THE SEMIFINALS?

The first leg of the Libertadores semifinal between Flamengo and Estudiantes is scheduled for October 15 at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time). The decisive second leg will take place the following week, on the 22nd of the same month. Kickoff is also at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), with the Maracanã hosting the match that will decide the finalist.

So far, the first leg still does not have a confirmed stadium because Estadio UNO, the Argentine team’s home ground, does not meet Conmebol’s capacity requirements for away fans at this stage of the tournament. As a result, due to this regulatory restriction, the club’s board in La Plata is considering alternatives. Arenas that meet the minimum requirements set by the South American governing body to host this important international fixture are being considered.

WHAT ABOUT THE FINAL?

If Flamengo advance to the Libertadores final, Leonardo Jardim’s team will face either Palmeiras or Fluminense, the clubs contesting the other semifinal bracket of the continental tournament. The grand title-deciding match will take place on November 28 at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, Uruguay.

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