Flamengo seek to fix defensive woes before Medellín clash in Libertadores

In partnership with

Coluna do Fla

·5 Mei 2026

Flamengo seek to fix defensive woes before Medellín clash in Libertadores

Aerial play has been causing problems for Flamengo in 2026

Flamengo continues its preparations to face Independiente Medellín (COL) this Thursday (07), in the fourth round of the Libertadores. Before the match, the Rubro-Negro is trying to solve a defensive ‘problem’ that has been giving Leonardo Jardim headaches: aerial balls.

That is because, of the 25 goals Flamengo’s professional team has conceded in 2026, 11 came from aerial plays, that is, more than 40%. It is worth noting that six of those goals happened when Filipe Luís was still in charge of Fla, while the others came under Leonardo Jardim.

Video OneFootball

Did Flamengo struggle with aerial plays against Vasco?

Last Sunday (03), Flamengo drew 2-2 with Vasco in the 14th round of the Brasileirão, conceding two goals from aerial balls. In a press conference, coach Renato Gaúcho admitted that he took advantage of the Rubro-Negro’s ‘weak spot’.

“The first goal was practiced a lot. We knew Flamengo had been conceding some goals in that area. Today, we didn’t take short corners, we put the ball into the box exactly where Robert scored. We knew we could take advantage of it, and we did. And then again on an aerial ball with Cuesta,” said the Vasco coach.

What is the situation in Libertadores Group A?

After three rounds of the Libertadores, Flamengo has seven points and leads Group A of the Libertadores. Estudiantes (ARG) is in second place with five points, while Medellín and Cusco (PER) round out the group with four and zero points, respectively.

When will Flamengo and Independiente Medellín face each other?

The match between Flamengo and Independiente Medellín takes place this Thursday (07), in the fourth round of the Libertadores. The ball starts rolling at 9:30 PM (Brasília time) at Atanasio Girardot Stadium in Colombia.

As tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla will bring all the details of the match between Flamengo and Independiente Medellín through YouTube, the website, and social media. However, ESPN (pay TV) and Disney+ (streaming) will broadcast the Libertadores match.

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