The last Colombian hope at the 2022 Copa Libertadores, Deportes Tolima, come into their match versus Flamengo on Wednesday in need of a victory at the Maracana.
Last week, Deportes saw their nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions come to an end when the 2021 runners-up at this tournament blanked them by a 1-0 score in the first leg of that round of 16 tie.
Match preview
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Dorival Junior knew when he assumed the managerial duties from outgoing boss Paulo Sousa that he would be inheriting a sticky situation at Flamengo, and that has been proven by his team's inconsistent performances over the past seven games.
They lost three of his first four matches in charge and continue to struggle in the final third, scoring a goal or fewer in four contests.
Amid all the unrest at the club, it seems like there is at least a more precise identity under Junior, as he has gone with a back four in every game, along with three midfielders, with some minor tweaks up front.
That seems to have helped them play with a lot less confusion than we saw under Sousa, as the former Portuguese boss often changed up his tactics at the drop of a hat, which seemed to create more chaos and miscues amongst the players.
Mengao still look far from convincing on the field though, particularly in the first leg of this knockout round, as they were on their heels for much of the opening half after going in front in the 17th minute.
Last week, even though they failed to concede against Tolima, the side from Rio were far too easy to penetrate through the middle and were only rescued by some poor finishing from the home team.
However, one thing which you can usually count on with this team in an ability to handle the pressure of this competition, where they have not lost a round of 16 encounter since 2018.
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In their first Copa Libertadores appearance since 2019, the reigning Colombian champions only lost one of their group fixtures at this year's competition, finishing even on points with the reigning Brazilian champions Atletico Mineiro.
Manager Hernan Torres has preached the importance of putting together a collective effort throughout 90 minutes, and his players have heeded his message, consistently covering space and ensuring the open areas of the field are well defended.
Their solid team effort is a big part of what has made them successful to this point of the 2022 tournament and put them in a position to advance into the last eight.
Twice so far in the 2022 Libertadores, they have come back to earn a result from a losing position, while also claiming three points against Galo in their final group encounter, notching the winner four minutes after conceding the equaliser.
Last week was the first time the Colombians had played in an actual knockout stage encounter in this competition, with their best-ever finish being a semi-final appearance in 1982, although back then, each round was a group stage competition, with only the top team advancing.
Even though El Vinotinto y Oro have only captured two road matches against Brazilian opponents away from home in the Libertadores, they do not have to look far to remind themselves that pulling off an upset like this is more than attainable.
On matchday six, Deportes needed a win at Minerao to assure their place in the knockout round, and they came through by scoring the winner in the 92nd minute.
That goal proved decisive as a draw in that fixture would have dropped them down into third, as Independiente del Valle possessed a superior goal difference.
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Team News
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Andreas Pereira ended his loan spell at Flamengo on a winning note as the Manchester United midfielder notched the only goal in their 1-0 triumph in the opening leg, while Santos made five saves to collect his first clean sheet of the competition.
Gabriel Barbosa is without a goal at this tournament since notching a brace in a 3-2 win over Universidad Catolica on matchday three, though he still leads them in that category with three tallies, putting him even with his teammates Pedro and Everton Ribeiro.
Health and safety protocols could force as many as three Flamengo players to miss this encounter, as Willian Arao, Matheus Cunha and Diego Alves have all tested positive for COVID-19.
Rodrigo Caio could be fully recovered from his knee injury by mid-July, but Bruno Henrique's knee is not expected to heal until late September.
Anderson Plata has been the primary contributor for Tolima at this tournament with four goals, though he is an injury concern heading into this encounter after suffering a knock in the first leg of the Categoria Primera A Final, where he was replaced by Luis Miranda.
If he is unavailable, Jeison Lucumi will be counted upon to provide them with some offence, having tallied twice so far in this competition, while Brayan Rovira should be their primary creator, having contributed two assists so far.
Michael Rangel and Juan Fernando Caicedo have scored 11 goals between them domestically this season but have failed to tally at this tournament, while Yohandry Orozco has six assists in league play, though he has not found the scoresheet in the Libertadores.
Flamengo possible starting lineup:
Santos; Ayrton, Pereira, Luiz, Matheuzinho; Maia, Diego, De Arrascaeta; Everton, Barbosa, Ribeiro
Deportes Tolima possible starting lineup:
Dominguez; Riascos, Quinones, Moya, Hernandez; Rovira, Urena; Rangel, Melendez, Lucumi; Caicedo
We say: Flamengo 2-0 Deportes Tolima
When things are at their worst, Flamengo can always count on the Copa Libertadores to boost their spirits and keep them motivated.
Even though they do not look like the South American force of recent years, they have more than enough quality individuals to pick up the slack and make it through this tie.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Joel Lefevre
