Flamengo Advances to the Round of 16 of the Libertadores
Libertadores Round of 16 are always a decisive moment for Brazilian clubs, and Flamengo did not disappoint.
Last Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Rio de Janeiro team secured its place in the round of 16 by beating Deportivo Táchira 1-0 at the iconic Maracanã.
With a solid performance, Flamengo showed its strength and determination, standing out in a match full of emotions and challenges.
In this article, we will explore the key moments of the match, the tactics employed by coach Filipe Luís and what comes next for the club in the competition and in the Campeonato Brasileiro.
Decisive goal by Léo Pereira
To the 20 minutes into the second half, the tension at Maracanã exploded into euphoria when Luiz Araujo accurately took a free kick in midfield.
The ball crossed the area like an arrow and found Leo Pereira, which rose higher than the defense of the Tachira Sports and firmly tested the back of the net.
The goal caused a roar in the stands, making the entire stadium vibrate with the red-black advantage.
The importance of the decisive move, which you can review in the excellent coverage provided by Fla Column, reinforces the weight of Leo Pereira as a key player in qualifying for the round of 16 Liberators.
First half: pressure and balance
Flamengo started the match with an intense attacking stance, trying to impose their rhythm with speed and control of possession of the ball.
Still, Deportivo Táchira responded with high markup and defensive organization, making it difficult for the red-blacks to attack.
- Flamengo's initial pressure which resulted in three shots in the first ten minutes, requiring total concentration from the opponent;
- Goalkeeper's saving save Varela after a powerful shot from Gerson, preventing what would have been the first goal of the night.
Despite territorial dominance, the score remained level until half-time.
One of the most talked about plays was the Arrascaeta simulation, which earned him a yellow card.
With that, Flamengo had to redouble its attention in the face of Táchira containment strategy, which balanced the duel and created danger in counterattacks.
Advantage maintained in the second stage
Even after opening the scoring early in the second half with a goal from Léo Pereira, Flamengo showed tactical maturity to manage the advantage against a Deportivo Táchira that grew in offensive volume.
The team led by Philip Louis He knew how to maintain concentration and defensive discipline, controlling the spaces and forcing the opponent to take risks from afar.
The goalkeeper's confident performance Rossi, with precise defenses, combined with excellent positioning of Leo Ortiz in defense, he ensured solidity in moments of greater pressure.
Furthermore, the midfield had the leadership and intensity of Gerson, who commanded the transition between defense and attack with authority.
The red-black defense, well instructed by its coach, resisted with tactical organization until the final whistle, guaranteeing qualification for the round of 16. Liberators even under constant pressure from the opponent.
Arbitration and card distribution
With a performance striking and disciplining, the Colombian referee Carlos Ortega conducted the duel between Flamengo and Deportivo Táchira with rigor.
Acting with the support of Colombian assistants, he maintained control of the match with safe refereeing, but which generated discussions.
His more rigid stance resulted in five yellow cards, two of them to Flamengo players, demonstrating intolerance towards unsportsmanlike plays and simulations.
Among the warned red-blacks, Wesley and Arrascaeta stood out for different interferences, but were equally punished, illustrating well the criteria adopted by Ortega throughout the 90 minutes.
| Player | Reason |
|---|---|
| Wesley | lateral foul |
| Arrascaeta | Simulation |
Next challenge in the Brazilian Championship
After securing qualification for the round of 16 of the Libertadores with a victory over Deportivo Táchira, Flamengo returns to the field in Sunday, June 1, 2025, to the 6:30 p.m., when facing the Strength at Maracanã for the 11th round of the Brazilian Championship.
The match will be another opportunity for the team led by Filipe Luís to prove its consistency in the national competition as well.
With a solid defense and players like Rossi, Léo Ortiz and Gerson enjoying a good moment, Rubro-Negro is looking to maintain its winning streak in front of its fans, who promise to once again fill the stadium. with tickets now available.
The confrontation with Fortaleza, traditionally balanced, will require extra attention from the Rio team.
Fans are expecting a huge show at Maracanã, where unconditional support could be the difference in guaranteeing the three points.
In summary, Flamengo's victory over Deportivo Táchira was a crucial step in the quest to win the Libertadores.
The team, under the leadership of Filipe Luís, is now preparing for the next challenge in the Brasileirão, maintaining focus and confidence in a promising future.
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