A streak of seven wins, renowned players and the Brazilian pedigree support the aspirations of Fluminense in the Copa Libertadores de América-2022.
The route begins at 2,600 meters above sea level in Bogotá, the home of Millonarios, their rival in the second phase. With a youth roster, the albiazules were the most regular team in Colombian soccer in 2021, earning a spot in the Libertadores preliminaries.
Now, the Millonarios ‘kinder’ will have a litmus test against a Rio de Janeiro tricolor with veterans such as Felipe Melo, Paulo Ganso and striker Fred. Colombians and Brazilians will meet on Tuesday from 7:30 pm, at the El Campín stadium.
The second leg will be played next week in Rio de Janeiro and the winner of the series will face the winner of the key between Atlético Nacional and Olimpia for a place in the group stage of the most important club tournament on the continent.
streak and rest
The ‘Flu’ has seven wins in a row in the Rio de Janeiro championship -including one at home against the powerful Flamengo- and has not known defeat since January 27. With one eye on Tuesday’s game, Brazilian manager Abel Braga did not use veterans Fred and Felipe Melo in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Volta Redonda.
“Height is never pleasant, it has influence, but the team is physically well,” Abel said after arriving in Bogotá early on Sunday. Among his cards are players accustomed to the Andean climate such as the Argentine attacker Germán Cano, Colombian soccer scorer in 2018 with Independiente Medellín and signed this year after a stellar 2021 with Vasco da Gama. There is also the Colombian Jhon Arias.
The 24-year-old winger played in Santa Fe, Millonarios’ backyard rival, until the middle of last year and has had minutes since joining Fluminense. “It is not the game of the year, but it has a different flavor because it is an international competition (…) that is played in a different way,” said the strategist from Rio de Janeiro, who seeks to bring the first Libertadores to the showcases of Fluminense, finalist of the tournament in 2008.
youth on trial
Alberto Gamero starts his third year at the helm of Millonarios and, in the absence of trophies, shows a litter of youth as the fruit of his work. Defender Andrés Llinás, pivot Stiven Vega and offensive midfielder Daniel Ruiz are the pillars that have had the ‘ambassador’ at the top of the Colombian league since last year. On Tuesday they could add their first minutes for Libertadores.
“It’s a brave game and I ask you to join us with Fluminense, we are preparing to fight and seek victory,” said Gamero after defeating Jaguares 2-1 on Saturday in the Colombian league, in which they are third.
The coach is waiting for two important starters: the right-back Andrés Román and the midfielder Macalister Silva, absent from the last duels due to physical problems but who could return for the cup debut.
Likely lineups
Millionaires: Álvaro Montero – Andrés Román, Andrés Llinás, Juan Vargas, Omar Bertel – Larry Vásquez, Stiven Vega – Daniel Ruiz, Eduardo Sosa, Macalister Silva – Diego Herazo. DT: Alberto Gamero
Fluminense: Marcos Felipe – Nino, Felipe Melo, David Braz – André Trindade, Yago Felipe, Samuel Xavier, Cris Silva – Luiz Henrique, Fred, Willian. DT: Abel Braga
AFP
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