Flamengo advances to Copa Libertadores quarter-finals with 2-1 win over Cruzeiro

Flamengo is through to the last eight of South America's premier club competition. Goals from Arrascaeta and Samuel Lino earned the Rio club a 2-1 victory over Cruzeiro on Wednesday night at the Maracanã, clinching passage to the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals. After establishing control and opening the scoring with a stunning strike from the Uruguayan in the opening period, Flamengo absorbed an equaliser early in the second half but hit back swiftly through Lino to secure qualification. Leonardo Jardim's side will await the winner of Tolima versus Independiente del Valle in the next round.

The Match

The contest began with both sides pressing high and disrupting possession early on. Flamengo gradually seized the initiative, dominating possession and constructing play in Cruzeiro's half. The first clear chance fell to the Rubro-Negro in the seventh minute when Jorginho's cross found Léo Ortiz, whose header flew just wide of the post.

Pushing continually forward, Flamengo engineered a move down the left flank. Samuel Lino collected the ball at the edge of the area and let fly, but goalkeeper Otávio stood firm with a strong parry. Moments later, Cruzeiro surrendered possession in their defensive third, Pulgar collected the loose ball and fed Pedro into the box. The number nine checked his marker and shot, only for Otávio to block the attempt with a timely interception.

Cruzeiro struggled to generate attacking opportunities due to Flamengo's relentless pressing and ball recovery from the front. The visitors found themselves restricted to second-half opportunities.

With their superiority evident, Flamengo broke through late in the first half with a moment of pure skill. Arrascaeta was released down the left, combined with Pedro, and curled a precise finish into the far corner beyond the reach of Otávio. The Maracanã erupted in celebration. The strike marked the Uruguayan's 106th goal in Flamengo colours and his eighth of 2026.

In the closing stages of the opening period, Cruzeiro pressed in search of an equaliser, but Flamengo's defensive shape remained compact and they carried their advantage into half-time. The Maracanã had witnessed a commanding display of football, with Flamengo refusing to afford their opponents any freedom and creating numerous opportunities to extend their lead further.

Cruzeiro emerged with renewed intensity after the interval and levelled through Lucas Romero, whose fierce drive from distance found the corner of Rossi's goal. 1-1. Struggling with some wayward passing, Flamengo retreated into a more conservative shape, while Cruzeiro gained momentum and began to probe dangerously.

With the crowd driving them forward, Flamengo reasserted their authority and regained the lead in the 16th minute of the second half with another well-crafted goal. Arrascaeta released Pedro, who teed up Samuel Lino. The attacker left William in his wake and finished clinically into the corner for Flamengo's second. Lino, enjoying a prolific spell, reached his 11th goal of the campaign.

Following the goal, Jardim made a triple change, introducing Lucas Paquetá and Carrascal in place of Arrascaeta and Plata. Shortly after, Bruno Henrique and Varela replaced Pedro and Ayrton Lucas respectively, with Evertton Araujo coming on for Jorginho.

In the final stages, Flamengo managed the game intelligently, recycling possession and keeping Cruzeiro at arm's length. In the 90th minute, Romero misplaced a pass, Bruno Henrique advanced on the left and squared for Paquetá, who slid a low effort wide of goal.

After six minutes of added time, Flamengo held firm, secured the three points and earned their passage to the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals. The Nação Rubro-Negra had their victory.

Flamengo

Rossi; Emerson Royal, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas (Varela); Erick Pulgar, Jorginho (Evertton Araujo) and Arrascaeta (Lucas Paquetá); Plata (Carrascal), Samuel Lino and Pedro (Bruno Henrique).
Manager: Leonardo Jardim.

Cruzeiro

Otávio; William (Fagner), Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan Jesus and Rojas (Lucho Rodríguez); Lucas Romero, Gerson (Bruno Rodrigues) and Matheus Pereira; Wesley (João Costa), Arroyo and Kaio Jorge.
Manager: Arthur Jorge.

Next fixture

Flamengo face Cruzeiro again on Saturday at 20:30 in Minas Gerais for a Campeonato Brasileiro Série A fixture (Round 24).

Match facts

Flamengo 2-1 Cruzeiro – CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores 2026 – Round of 16 (Second Leg)
Venue: Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho (Maracanã), Rio de Janeiro
Date and kick-off: 19 August 2026, 21:30 local time
Referee: Gustavo Tejera (Uruguay); Linesmen: Nicolás Tarán and Horacio Ferreiro (both Uruguay)
Bookings: William (Cruzeiro), Bruno Henrique (Flamengo), João Costa (Cruzeiro)
Goalscorers: Arrascaeta (34 mins, first half), Lucas Romero (5 mins, second half), Samuel Lino (16 mins, second half).