Arrascaeta strikes as Flamengo hold Del Valle and seal Copa Libertadores semis berth

Foto: Adriano Fontes / CRF

Flamengo have booked their place in the Copa Libertadores semi-finals. The Rubro-Negro showed character at the Maracanã on Thursday evening, drawing 1-1 with Independiente del Valle in the quarter-final second leg. After falling behind, Flamengo hit back through Arrascaeta's leveller in the 38th minute of the second half. Although Jorginho was sent off before the water break, the home side held firm under pressure and confirmed progression with a 3-1 aggregate score.

The Match

Flamengo started as the dominant force, controlling possession in the attacking third. Despite needing to overturn their first-leg deficit, del Valle set up camp defensively, hunting for opportunities on the counter-attack.

In their first dangerous moment, Flamengo nearly broke the deadlock early. Paquetá fed Bruno Henrique down the left flank at pace, and the number 27 raced clear one-on-one with goalkeeper Quintana. His effort was saved by the Ecuadorian stopper's foot.

As the opening period wore on, del Valle grew into the game and began to assert themselves in midfield. In the 30th minute, Reasco broke the deadlock for the visitors. The goal left the aggregate score in Flamengo's favour, though—the Rubro-Negro had triumphed 2-0 away in Quito.

Following Reasco's strike, Flamengo reasserted control and pressed forward. In the 42nd minute, Emerson Royal sent a cross into the box and Samuel Lino got a touch with his head, but the ball drifted wide. As the half drew to a close, the hosts pressed for an equaliser but went in at the break behind.

Flamengo returned unchanged at the start of the second period, though with renewed intensity. Within minutes, Paquetá and Jorginho both collected yellow cards. Just past the quarter-hour, Leonardo Jardim made a double substitution—Arrascaeta and Plata came on to replace Paquetá and Carrascal.

Before the water break, a flashpoint left the Maracanã on edge. Jorginho, already cautioned, was sent off after fouling Alcívar. Leonardo Jardim responded by introducing Saúl for Bruno Henrique to shore up the midfield and operate with ten men.

In the 32nd minute, del Valle thought they had extended their lead when Vásquez nodded home, but the referee spotted an offside position. When Flamengo needed him most, their talismanic number 10 delivered. Rossi launched a long ball forward, the ball bounced twice and evaded the goalkeeper. Arrascaeta, unmarked, powered home a header: 1-1.

Foto: Adriano Fontes / CRF

With the tie back in the balance, Flamengo managed the closing stages calmly, secured the draw, and confirmed their semi-final spot. Next, the Rubro-Negro will face Estudiantes (ARG) in pursuit of a place in the final.

Flamengo

Rossi; Emerson Royal, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, Ayrton Lucas; Erick Pulgar, Jorginho, Lucas Paquetá (Arrascaeta); Carrascal (Plata), Samuel Lino (Varela), Bruno Henrique (Saúl).

Manager: Leonardo Jardim.

Independiente del Valle

Quintana; Romero, Carabajal, Schunke, Loor; Hugo Quintana, Alcívar, Sornoza; Pata (Góngora), Reasco (Vásquez), Perelló (Briones).

Manager: Joaquín Papa.

Week Ahead

Flamengo return to action on Sunday, 20 September, facing RB Bragantino at 18:30 at the Maracanã in a Brazilian league fixture.

Match Facts

Flamengo 1-1 Independiente del Valle – CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores – Quarter-final (Second Leg)

Venue: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro

Date & Kick-off: 17 September 2026, 21:30

Referee: Andrés Matonte (Uruguay), Carlos Barreiro (Uruguay), Mathias Muniz (Uruguay)

Yellow Cards: Lucas Paquetá (FLA), Jorginho (FLA), Carabajal (IDV), Erick Pulgar (FLA)

Goals: Reasco (30'/1st), Arrascaeta (38'/2nd).