Flamengo are set to face Vitória at Barradão in the second leg of the Copa do Brasil fifth phase at 21:30 today. Since arriving at the club, manager Leonardo Jardim has yet to field the same starting eleven in consecutive matches. It is likely the team will be modified again for this match.
Tactical Tweaks and Key Players
Jardim’s changes are primarily tactical, tailoring the team to each opponent. However, some patterns are emerging, including favoured players and preferences based on the competition.
Pedro and Samuel Lino have made the most appearances, featuring in 16 games each. Lino has started more often, with 15 starts compared to Pedro’s 13.
Pedro has not started in any of the four Libertadores matches so far. Jardim has preferred Bruno Henrique, Danilo and Emerson Royal in that competition. These players have started every Libertadores game, but have often been left out of the Brasileirão lineup.
Consistent Goalkeeping and Impact Substitutes
Goalkeeper Rossi has been ever-present, playing in all 17 matches under Jardim. This includes the annulled match against Independiente Medellín in the Libertadores.
Luiz Araújo has become the coach’s preferred substitute. The attacker has come off the bench six times under Jardim.
Balancing Priorities Across Competitions
Following the 1-0 victory over Grêmio, Jardim stated the plan is to keep Flamengo competitive in all competitions throughout the second half of the year. The team is being balanced, with players being rested.
Jardim said that when he arrived in early March, Flamengo had four objectives leading up to May 30, against Coritiba: to win the Carioca against Fluminense, qualify for the second phase of the Libertadores, continue in the Copa do Brasil, and be near the top of the Brasileirão table. He added that Flamengo aims to compete in all three competitions.
Availability for Upcoming Matches
Jorginho and Evertton Araújo are available for today’s match against Vitória. The pair received their third yellow cards against Grêmio and will miss the match against Athletico in the Brasileirão.
Flamengo holds an advantage heading into the match, having won the first leg at the Maracanã 2-1. A draw would be enough to secure their place in the next round.