Flamengo face decisive week before Cruzeiro clash in the Libertadores

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Coluna do Fla

·3 Agustus 2026

Flamengo face decisive week before Cruzeiro clash in the Libertadores

Teams need to submit their squad list to Conmebol by Friday (07)

Flamengo is getting closer to starting its Libertadores Round of 16 tie against Cruzeiro, with the first match set for August 12. With an eye on the game, the Rubro-Negro is facing a decisive week.

That is because Flamengo has until 6 p.m. (Brasília time) this Friday (07) to send Conmebol the list of players called up for the Libertadores Round of 16. The governing body's regulations also allow up to five player changes for this stage.

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Who is expected to be left off Flamengo’s squad list?

Clubs can register up to 50 players for the Libertadores Round of 16. Included in the previous stages, Ryan Roberto and Da Mata have left Flamengo and will be replaced by new names. In addition, Kaio Nóbrega and Alan Santos are in talks with other teams and, as a result, are expected to be removed from the list.

Will Flamengo have new signings for the Libertadores?

Flamengo hopes to complete the signing of Thiago Almada, an attacking midfielder from Atlético de Madrid (Spain), in time to include the Argentine for the matches against Cruzeiro. In addition, the Rubro-Negro is targeting two more arrivals: a winger and a center forward.

However, with the transfer window open until September 11, Flamengo is in no rush to finalize those two deals. It is worth noting that if the club cannot sign Thiago Almada, Luiz Henrique is the Rubro-Negro’s “Plan B.”

When are the matches between Flamengo and Cruzeiro?

The first clash between the teams is scheduled for August 12 at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Mineirão. Then, the second and decisive meeting between Flamengo and Cruzeiro will be on the 19th, at the same time, at the Maracanã. In this way, the Rubro-Negro will have the support of the Nação as it looks to secure qualification.

What is the article author’s opinion on the subject?

Flamengo needs to strengthen the squad and register new players for the Libertadores Round of 16. The team looks like it still hasn’t come back from the World Cup break and will not have an easy time in the clashes with Cruzeiro. Even though it is being ‘overlooked’ by the club, the left-back position needs attention, in addition to midfield and attack,” said Davi Esteves, a journalist for Coluna do Fla.

What is Flamengo’s next match?

Before thinking about Cruzeiro, however, Flamengo is focused on its next commitment of 2026. This Sunday (09), Leonardo Jardim’s team faces Vitória at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã, in the 22nd round of the Brasileirão.

As tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla brings all the details of Flamengo in the 2026 season. So stay tuned to the website, social media and YouTube. In addition, SporTV (subscription channel) and Premiere (pay-per-view) will broadcast the match against Vitória.

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