Rule change could see Flamengo qualify on next Libertadores matchday | OneFootball

Flamengo can seal a spot in the Libertadores Round of 16 on Thursday (07)

Flamengo can secure a place in the Libertadores Round of 16 next Thursday (07). If they beat Independiente Medellín (COL), Mengão will confirm, at worst, second place in Group A of the tournament. This is only possible thanks to the competition’s rule change introduced in this 2026 edition.

Until last year, the first tiebreaker was goal difference. Now, in the 2026 Libertadores, head-to-head results come first. So, if Flamengo beat Medellín on Thursday (07), they will open up a six-point lead over the Colombians with two matches left in the group stage, meaning the Rubro-Negro could no longer be caught by them.

SO, WHAT DOES GROUP A OF THE LIBERTADORES LOOK LIKE AFTER THREE MATCHDAYS?

If last year’s rules were still in effect, Flamengo would have no chance of securing qualification early in Medellín. After all, goal difference would be the deciding factor. The Colombians would still have a chance to overturn their -2 goal difference against the +7 of the Red-and-Black.

WHEN WILL INDEPENDIENTE MEDELLÍN VS FLAMENGO TAKE PLACE?

That said, the referee will blow the whistle for the start of Independiente Medellín vs Flamengo at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), at Atanasio Girardot Stadium. While Mengão are playing for a place in the Round of 16, the home side are trying to move into the qualification zone. To do that, they need to win and hope Estudiantes do not beat Cusco at altitude. That match will be played on Wednesday (06).

AFTER ALL, WHAT WILL FLAMENGO’S NEXT MATCH BE BEFORE TURNING THEIR FOCUS TO THE LIBERTADORES?

Before facing Medellín, Flamengo have an important Brazilian Championship fixture. This Sunday (03), the Most Beloved will face Vasco in the 14th round at the Maracanã. Therefore, the ball starts rolling at 4 PM (Brasília time), with full coverage from Coluna do Fla.

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