Flamengo begins Copa Libertadores quarter-final quest against Independiente del Valle

Flamengo takes the next step toward a fifth South American title when the defending Copa Libertadores champions meet Independiente del Valle on Thursday, September 10, at 21:30 local time at Estádio Olímpico Atahualpa in Quito, Ecuador. The Brazilian club arrives in peak form—a recent streak of three consecutive Brasileirão victories over Botafogo, Mirassol and Remo have propelled them to the league summit. However, playing at 2,850 meters above sea level presents an additional challenge. The tie will be settled at the Maracanã next week, with the winner advancing to the semi-finals.

Flamengo's momentum heading into the tie is undeniable. Fresh from knocking out Cruzeiro in the previous round, the Rubro-Negro have won their last three domestic fixtures and currently lead the Campeonato Brasileiro. The focus now shifts to continental matters, where they seek to maintain their winning run against a well-organized Ecuadorian side.

Head-to-Head Record
Flamengo and Independiente del Valle have met six times historically, with the Brazilian club holding the advantage. The record reads: three Flamengo wins, two victories for the Ecuadorian outfit, and one draw. Flamengo has scored 10 goals in these encounters while conceding eight.

In Copa Libertadores play, the sides have faced each other twice—both meetings occurred in the 2020 group stage. On that occasion, each team claimed victory: Independiente del Valle triumphed 5–0 at home in Quito, while Flamengo responded with a commanding 4–0 win at the Maracanã.

Flamengo's overall record against Ecuadorian clubs in Copa Libertadores stands at 15 wins, two draws, and five losses across 22 matches, having scored 43 goals and conceded 23.

Official Information
Referee: Facundo Tello (Argentina)
Assistants: Cristian Navarro (Argentina) and Gabriel Chade (Argentina)
VAR: Silvio Truco (Argentina).