Quarterfinal, 1st match, neutral lane.
Fluminense top scorer Henrique Dourado can be the deciding factor on Maracanã. It looks like a close and tactical place where Flamengo is probably the best crew, but they have to silence without star striker Peolo Guerrero.
It speaks for the game:
The Fla-Flu performers are something special and these derby matches live a bit of their own lives beyond all rules of form and star status.
The teams seem equally equal and have played draw in both league matches this season (they played 1-1 2 weeks ago).
Flamengo lacks a few offensive players when Berrío, Young Vinícius Júnior and Superstar Paolo Guerrero have to sit over.
Guerrero might have played if it was an important match for him, but he saves himself to Peru’s playoffs against New Zealand.
Fluminense, on the other hand, seems more motivated and saved a few players in the last league match; Sornoza and Henrique Dourado are back.
Keep an eye on:
Flamengo has collected several reinforcements this season and has a better crew with larger profiles.
Fluminense has big trouble finding the balance of the team and in the league they have 8 points up to Flamengo in 7th place.
Thus, Fluminense has captured 40 goals in the 30 league matches, while the Flamengo defense has made it better with 29 goals scored.
Fluminense is listed as home team in this first quarter finale, but both clubs have been awarded equal tickets to the fans.
PREDICTION: Flamengo win @ 1.85
