On Wednesday, 29 May, Flamengo will host Millonarios for the 6th round of the Copa Libertadores group stage. Despite their 4-0 victory over Bolivar, the hosts sit only second in Group E, while the Blue-and-Whites have already lost any chance of advancing to the playoffs.
Flamengo: Rossi; Varela, Bruno, L. Pereira, Ayrton; De la Cruz, Allan; Gerson, Goncalves, Everton; Pedro.
Millonarios: Montero; Alfonso, Llinas, Vargas, J. Hernandez; J. Pereira, Vega; Rodriguez, Silva, Ruiz; Navarro.
The match will be held in Rio de Janeiro at the Maracana Stadium.
The seven-time champions of Brazil and three-time Copa Libertadores winners, Flamengo, are true giants of South American football. Nevertheless, the hosts need a win at any cost tomorrow night to ensure they qualify for the knockout stage or hope that Palestino doesn't defeat Bolivar in the parallel match. In the previous round, the Red-and-Blacks thrashed group leaders Bolivar 4-0.
Recently, Flamengo progressed to the Round of 16 in the Brazilian Cup, narrowly defeating lower-division Amazonas in both legs (1-0 and 0:1). Flamengo fans will be pleased to know that their team has kept three consecutive clean sheets across all competitions and have lost just once in their last 15 home games.
Colombian side Millonarios haven't had a stellar season, currently sitting sixth in their domestic league standings. Recently, their form hasn't been impressive either; they are winless in their last three matches, including two consecutive draws against Bucaramanga (0-2) and Pereira over the weekend (2-2), following Hiraldo's red card in the 78th minute. The Blue-and-Whites led the match 1-2 thanks to goals from Ruiz and Pereira, but Quintero equalised in the closing minutes.
In the current Copa Libertadores campaign, Millonarios lack any substantial tournament motivation, sitting fourth in the overall standings with three points. The team's goal difference is disappointing: six scored, nine conceded. It's crucial to mention that the visitors have struggled away from home, failing to secure a win in their last four away games. Millonarios will be without their top attacking player Leonardo Castro (10 league goals, 3 Copa Libertadores goals), who remains injured.
The first-round encounter ended in a 1-1 draw, the only prior meeting between the sides.
At home, Flamengo should not face difficulties against the group outsiders, especially as only a win will allow the Red-and-Blacks to vie for the top playoff spot. Millonarios have been unimpressive in away fixtures and lack tournament motivation, so confidently betting on a Flamengo victory with a -2 handicap.
Flamengo boasts a luxurious attacking line and, buoyed by home support, will besiege the opponent's goal from the start. Backing the Red-and-Blacks' individual total goals over 2.5.
Flamengo will play as the dominant side and attack frequently, likely taking the lead in corners with a -3.5 handicap.
Millonarios, outclassed by their opponents, will be forced to defend a lot. Hence, confidently betting on the Blue-and-Whites to win the yellow card count.
Predicting a 3-0 victory for Flamengo.
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