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Flamengo
Copa Libertadores | Group Stage
May 25, 2022 at 1.30am UK
Estádio Olímpico João Havelange
Sporting Cristal

Flamengo
2 - 1
Cristal

Isla (30'), Pedro (74')
Gomes (37')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Gonzales (85')
Tavara (7'), Yotun (80')

Preview: Flamengo vs. Sporting Cristal - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Wednesday's Copa Libertadores clash between Flamengo and Sporting Cristal, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Flamengo will be aiming to maintain their unbeaten record in the Copa Libertadores when they welcome Sporting Cristal to the Maracana.

The hosts are guaranteed to finish top of Group H, while Sporting Cristal are looking for a victory that could move them into third place.


Match preview

Flamengo's Gabriel Barbosa celebrates scoring their first goal on February 20, 2022© Reuters

Flamengo have made light work of their group, winning four of their five matches in the Copa Libertadores this term.

The 2019 South American champions began the group stage with three consecutive victories before a 2-2 draw against Talleres halted their winning run.

Although, they managed to return to winning ways on matchday four, thrashing Universidad Catolica 3-0 thanks to goals from Willian Arao, Everton Ribeiro and Pedro.

The Brazilian side enter the final matchday knowing that whatever the result they will finish top of the group, but the hosts will still be motivated to maintain their unbeaten record.

Flamengo will be confident that they can clinch all three points after winning both of their home group games by a combined 6-1 scoreline.

Sporting Cristal coach Roberto Mosquera on April 20, 2021© Reuters

With just two points to their name, Sporting Cristal cannot qualify for the knockout rounds of the Copa Libertadores.

After beginning the group phase with three consecutive defeats, the Peruvian side played out back-to-back draws to get themselves on the board.

Although they will bow out of South America's premier competition, Tuesday's visitors still have the chance to qualify for the last 16 of the Copa Sudamericana.

If they are to drop down to the Copa Sudamericana then Sporting Cristal need to move up to third position on the final matchday.

The current third-placed side, Universidad Catolica are two points ahead, but Sporting Cristal will overtake them if they beat Flamengo and the Chilean outfit drop points against Talleres.

Flamengo Copa Libertadores form:
  • W
  • W
  • W
  • D
  • W

Flamengo form (all competitions):
  • D
  • L
  • W
  • D
  • W
  • W

Sporting Cristal Copa Libertadores form:
  • L
  • L
  • L
  • D
  • D

Sporting Cristal form (all competitions):
  • W
  • D
  • D
  • W
  • D
  • D


Team News

Flamengo coach Paulo Souza before the match on April 2, 2022© Reuters

The hosts are unable to call upon the services of Fabricio Bruno, Gustavo Henrique, Matheus Franca and Vitinho, with the quartet all sidelined with injury issues.

Filipe Luis is also expected to be absent after missing the last four matches due to a calf problem.

With a place in the knockout rounds already secured, Flamengo could give a number of first-team regulars a rest on Tuesday.

As for Sporting Cristal, goalkeeper Alejandro Duarte dropped down to the bench for Saturday's league contest, but the 28-year-old will return to the side for the midweek encounter.

Gianfranco Chavez and Omar Merlo are expected to form the centre-back pairing for the third consecutive game.

Meanwhile, Irven Avila will continue to lead the line for the visitors as he looks to end a run of seven matches without a goal.

Flamengo possible starting lineup:
Souza; Rodnei, Caio, Pablo, Lucas; Gomes, Pereira; Ribeiro, Hugo, Lazaro; Pedro

Sporting Cristal possible starting lineup:
Duarte; Madrid, Merlo, Chavez, Loyola; Yotun, Castillo, Calcaterra; Sosa, Gonzales, Avila


SM words green background

We say: Flamengo 2-1 Sporting Cristal

Although top spot is already assured, we think that Flamengo will have too much quality for Sporting Cristal on Tuesday, and three points on Tuesday would provide the Brazilian side with a third consecutive victory in all competitions.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:data


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Game History

How you voted: Flamengo vs Cristal

Flamengo
72.2%
Draw
5.6%
Sporting Cristal
22.2%
18
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