“We’ll knock out Jardim”: Cruzeiro fans ‘storm’ airport for Flamengo tie

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Coluna do Fla

·19 August 2026

“We’ll knock out Jardim”: Cruzeiro fans ‘storm’ airport for Flamengo tie

What was Cruzeiro fans’ attitude before the match against Flamengo?

Flamengo and Cruzeiro take the field this Wednesday (19) to decide their fate in the Copa Libertadores. Given the magnitude of the match, fans of the Minas Gerais club crowded the airport and sent a message of support to the players.

Before Cruzeiro’s delegation boarded, which happened this Tuesday (18), some fans went to the airport to give the team one last show of support before arriving in Rio de Janeiro. During the gathering, one fan shouted: “We’re going to eliminate Jardim and we’re going to be champions.” In the end, there was also some taunting aimed at rivals Atlético-MG.

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It is important to point out that Cruzeiro fans still hold a certain grudge against Leonardo Jardim, who was the Minas Gerais club’s coach last season. Because of that, in matches against Flamengo, Cruzeiro supporters always make a point of provoking and insulting the Portuguese manager.

In the most recent matches between Flamengo and Cruzeiro, fake banknotes with Leonardo Jardim’s face were even handed out in the stands. Because of this, fans of the Minas Gerais club make a point of protesting against Mengão’s current coach.

WHAT DID LEONARDO JARDIM SAY IN THE LAST FLAMENGO VS. CRUZEIRO MATCH?

In the last match between Flamengo and Cruzeiro, held at Mineirão, Leonardo Jardim gave a press conference and commented on the protests he received. In his remarks, the Portuguese manager made it clear that it is always a source of pride to return to Mineirão, but said he does not understand why he receives so much criticism from the fans.

For me, it is motivating to come to Mineirão once again. A stadium and a fanbase that I know very well. Honestly, I don’t understand why there is so much hatred sometimes, when things were very clear… But okay, I accept it. It is better to speak badly of Jardim than to admit the truth. But at this moment, the spectacle is what matters most,” said Jardim.

WHAT IS THE SITUATION FOR FLAMENGO AND CRUZEIRO IN THE LIBERTADORES ROUND OF 16?

With this support behind them, Cruzeiro arrived in Rio looking to get past Flamengo and advance to the Libertadores quarterfinals. For now, the tie is completely open, with the decisive match set for this Wednesday (19) at the Maracanã.

In the first match between the teams, Cruzeiro even opened the scoring through Arroyo. However, Lucas Paquetá found the net to level the match at 1-1 at Mineirão. As a result, whoever wins tonight’s clash will take the spot. Finally, if the score is tied again, the decision will be settled on penalties.

WHERE TO WATCH FLAMENGO VS. CRUZEIRO IN THE LIBERTADORES?

The match between Flamengo and Cruzeiro kicks off at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) this Wednesday (19) at the Maracanã. Therefore, as usual, Coluna do Fla TV will cover the match details on YouTube, as well as on its website and social media. Finally, Rede Globo (free-to-air TV), GETV (YouTube), and Paramount (streaming) will broadcast the clash.

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