Cruzeiro new signing recalls 2025 Libertadores semi-final v Flamengo | OneFootball

Flamengo faced Racing (ARG) in the 2025 Libertadores semifinal

Flamengo and Cruzeiro will face each other in the Round of 16 of the 2026 Libertadores. At the moment, however, the South American football calendar is on hold for the World Cup. So, on Tuesday (30), the Minas Gerais club took the opportunity to present the signing of Gabriel Rojas, former Racing full-back, who recalled the clash with Fla last year.

— It will be a very tough match. We know our rival, but we have to work to get through this stage. Every match is complicated. We want to win this title; it’s difficult, but not impossible -, he said, before concluding:

— I’m Argentine, and my upbringing always taught me to give my all. I wear the shirt with responsibility. In the match against Flamengo, I was injured and still played. I play with my heart, and with another shirt it will be the same, giving my best for my team -, concluded the Cruzeiro full-back.

Who is Gabriel Rojas, Cruzeiro’s new signing?

Developed in San Lorenzo’s (ARG) youth academy, the 29-year-old full-back has also played for Peñarol (URU), Racing, and Querétaro (MEX). As a result, the player was signed by Cruzeiro for six million dollars (around R$ 31 million), signing a contract until the end of 2029.

What was the 2025 Libertadores semifinal like?

Flamengo faced Racing, Gabriel Rojas’ former club, in the 2025 Libertadores semifinal. In the first leg, played at the Maracanã, Rubro-Negro won 1-0, with a goal by Jorge Carrascal in the final minutes of the match.

As a result, the decisive clash was played at El Cilindro, in Avellaneda. With the advantage of a draw, Flamengo held on for a 0-0 scoreline and advanced to the Libertadores final. It is also worth noting that Gonzalo Plata was sent off in the 11th minute of the second half, but Mengão still managed to avoid defeat.

When will the Flamengo vs Cruzeiro Libertadores matches take place?

The first group stage of the Libertadores has ended and, as a result, Conmebol held a new draw for the knockout stages. That way, the “balls” paired Flamengo and Cruzeiro against each other in the tournament’s Round of 16.

The first match between the teams is scheduled for August 12 at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Mineirão. Then, the second and decisive clash between Flamengo and Cruzeiro will take place on the 19th, at the same time, at the Maracanã. In this way, Rubro-Negro will have the support of the Nation as they seek qualification.

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