De La Cruz shines as Flamengo beat Cusco 2-0 at altitude in Libertadores opener | OneFootball

De La Cruz starred as Flamengo opened their Libertadores campaign with a 2-0 win over Cusco in Peru. The midfielder impressed while negotiating the 3,400 metres of altitude.

According to Coluna Do Fla, the Uruguayan had been a doubt given his issues in high-altitude matches, but he was cleared by the club’s medical staff and lasted until the final minutes.

With Jorginho and Erick Pulgar absent, De La Cruz partnered Evertton Araújo in midfield. He frequently pushed near the Cusco area to combine with the forwards, and also broke up play effectively.

After the match, coach Leonardo Jardim praised him as an intelligent second midfielder and an experienced international, adding that he will certainly help whenever he is called upon.

Bruno Henrique and Arrascaeta scored the goals. Flamengo lead Group A with 3 points, ahead of Independiente Medellín and Estudiantes on one, with Cusco yet to register.

Attention now turns to the Brasileirão, where Flamengo face Fluminense on Saturday 11 at 18:30, Brasília time, at the Maracanã.

Source: Coluna Do Fla