Cusco changes after 2025 success, Flamengo can be ‘at home’ | OneFootball

Cusco (PER) are the current runners-up of the Peruvian Championship

Cusco (PER) surprised the country last year by finishing as runners-up in Peru. After a successful year, the challenge is to keep the squad together for the following season. However, Flamengo’s opponent in their Libertadores opener this Wednesday (08) managed to retain the core of the team, but suffered one major loss.

— The most significant change was the departure of (head coach) Miguel Rondinelli, who had been in charge of the team for three years. His exit came just as the club was about to make its debut in the (Libertadores), which had a major impact on the group — explained Peruvian journalist Sebastián Ardiles from the outlet ‘Depor’ in a conversation with Coluna do Fla.

— However, one of the most positive aspects of Cusco FC is that it managed to keep the core of the squad that secured the runner-up finish in the 2025 season. Despite an inconsistent start to the year, as the rounds have gone by the team has been regaining its level and is gradually returning to competing at its best — he added.

Miguel Rondinelli left Cusco for Melgar (PER) last week during the FIFA international break. As a result, Flamengo’s opponent wasted no time and hired Uruguayan Alejandro Orfila, who made his debut last Saturday (04), coincidentally against Melgar, and won 3-1.

PERUVIAN FLAMENGO?

Flamengo will play at Estadio Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, at altitude in Cusco, Peru. However, according to Sebastián Ardiles, Mengão may feel right at home. After all, of the four Libertadores titles won by the Rubro-Negro giants, two came in Lima: 2019 and 2025.

— In Peru, Flamengo is widely recognized as one of the biggest clubs in South America. After their recent Copa Libertadores title, whose final was played in Lima, the team managed to connect with many fans in the city because of the way it lives football and the strong fan presence throughout that week — said the journalist.

— Among the best-known players in the squad are Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Agustín Rossi, players who have been key pieces for the Brazilian side in recent years and who helped establish Flamengo as one of the most competitive teams on the continent — Sebastián pointed out.

WHO SHOULD FLAMENGO KEEP AN EYE ON?

Sebastián Ardiles named two players for Flamengo to watch: Facundo Callejo, top scorer in the Peruvian Championship last year. In addition, the journalist highlighted Iván Colman, a midfielder returning from injury who was named in the competition’s Team of the Year last season.

— The departure of Miguel Rondinelli, who later joined FBC Melgar, brought about a major change at the club after three years in charge. With the arrival of Alejandro Orfila, the team is seeking a new playing identity. Orfila is trying to implement greater tactical organization and defensive solidity, although the process is still in the consolidation phase — he stressed.

WHAT OTHER DETAILS DID THE PERUVIAN JOURNALIST SHARE?

Coluna do Fla also spoke with the journalist about Cusco’s strengths and weaknesses, expectations in the city, and much more. Check out more details about the team facing Flamengo from 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Estadio Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, located 3,400 meters above sea level.

STRENGTHS

“One of its main strengths is its home form. The team is usually very strong at home thanks to the support of the fans and its adaptation to the altitude. In addition, the squad has players who are comfortable on the ball and capable of quick transitions. It also stands out for its intensity in midfield and its ability to press the opponent at certain moments of the match.”

WEAKNESSES

“It tends to show inconsistency in its performances, especially when playing away from home. The team becomes disorganized when the opponent’s intensity is high and tends to leave spaces when pushing its lines forward. In some matches, it struggles to sustain its intensity.”

ALTITUDE FACTOR

“It is usually a decisive factor. Visiting teams that are not used to these physical conditions can feel the strain as the minutes go by. On the other hand, Cusco’s players are accustomed to this environment, which allows them to maintain a steadier rhythm throughout the match.”

HOW THEY LIKE TO PLAY

“In tactical terms, Cusco usually relies on a flexible setup. Under Rondinelli, the formation used was 4-3-3. The team looks for balance: it tries to build from the back, make use of pace on the wings, and press in the opposition half when the opportunity arises. It is not an overly defensive side; on the contrary, it usually tries to take the initiative in matches, especially when playing at home.”

EXPECTATIONS IN THE CITY

“Expectations in Cusco are high. There is a chance to see the team compete on an international stage after what it showed last season. The city is experiencing a special atmosphere, since facing a heavyweight opponent sparks hope among both the fans and the players. The expectation is that, playing at home, Cusco can build an important advantage.”

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