Leonardo Jardim explains changes for Flamengo v Cusco in Libertadores | OneFootball

How was the match between Flamengo and Cusco (PER)?

Flamengo got off to a winning start in the 2026 Libertadores after beating Cusco (PER) 2-0. The rubro-negro fans were even ‘surprised’ before the match by a few changes in the lineup. Thus, in a press conference, coach Leonardo Jardim explained his choices.

— One thing that is important for us is that when we play at altitude, with two days of recovery, it is hard to have a rested player. We took the opportunity to make some changes from the Santos match to today, not only in attack, but also in midfield and in the defensive line. So we could have a very fresh team and deliver a better sporting performance -, he said, before concluding:

— In general terms, we were the more attacking team, the one that created more goal-scoring chances. Playing at altitude is not easy, even for Flamengo, given the club’s stature. I had a report that showed only five wins in 18 matches at altitude. So I would like to highlight the commitment, attitude, and professionalism the players showed in the match -, Jardim concluded.

What was Flamengo’s lineup for the match against Cusco?

On that occasion, coach Leonardo Jardim sent Flamengo out with the following names: Agustín Rossi; Emerson Royal, Danilo, Léo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas; Evertton Araújo, De La Cruz, Lucas Paquetá; Gonzalo Plata, Carrascal and Bruno Henrique.

How did Flamengo vs. Cusco go?

Even with all the difficulty caused by the altitude of 3,350 meters, Flamengo managed to control the pace and threaten the opponent. Even so, the Rubro-Negro only got the first goal of the match in the second half.

On that occasion, Bruno Henrique made the most of a cross from Ayrton Lucas and headed it home with no chance for the Cusco goalkeeper. Late in the match, Arrascaeta sealed the score for Mengão in Peru.

What is Flamengo’s next match?

Flamengo will now return to the field this Saturday (11) to face Fluminense. The Rio derby will take place at 6:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã, in the 11th round of the Brasileirão.

As tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla will bring all the details of the match between Flamengo and Fluminense through YouTube, the website, and the social media channels. However, Premiere (pay-per-view) will broadcast the Brasileirão derby.

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