Flamengo earned a vital 2-0 victory over LDU Quito on Thursday to keep their Copa Libertadores hopes alive, pushing the decision for a place in the Round of 16 to the final matchday, when they’ll need a convincing home win over already eliminated Deportivo Táchira.

The most popular club in Brazil, facing possible elimination with any misstep at the Maracanã, secured the three points thanks to a first-half goal from center-back Léo Ortiz and a second-half strike by Luiz Araújo.

The win, under the guidance of World Cup veteran Filipe Luís, moved Flamengo into second place in Group C with 8 points, tied with LDU Quito, but ahead on goal difference. Central Córdoba lead the group with 11 points.

The final matchday on May 28 will determine the two teams advancing to the knockout stage: Flamengo host Deportivo Táchira, while LDU Quito take on Rosario Central at home.

Regardless of the result in Quito, Flamengo will qualify with a big win over Táchira, and they could even go through with a draw or loss, if Rosario Central beat LDU in Ecuador.

In urgent need of a win at home, Flamengo came out aggressively with a revamped front three: Luiz Araújo, Bruno Henrique, and Michael.

The pressure paid off early, with Léo Ortiz heading home a perfectly delivered corner kick from Luiz Araújo in the 9th minute—the Flamengo winger proving to be the standout performer on the night.

The hosts kept up the pressure on a disoriented LDU Quito, who struggled to escape their own half during the first 45 minutes. The Ecuadorian side’s only real threat came from Carlos Gruezo in the 36th minute.

Despite lowering the tempo slightly after the break, Flamengo continued to dominate and launched a wave of attacks that lacked only precision in the final touch.

Their persistence paid off again in the 53rd minute, when Luiz Araújo doubled the lead by capitalizing on a poor clearance from Ricardo Adé, following a left-sided run from Alex Sandro.

With the lead secured but aware that goal difference may prove decisive if the top three teams finish level on points, Filipe Luís introduced attackers Pedro and Everton ‘Cebolinha’ to try to widen the margin.

However, the substitutions had little effect as Flamengo slowed the tempo and began managing the game, allowing LDU Quito more possession and a few late pushes toward Agustín Rossi’s goal.

Now, everything will be on the line in the final matchday—Flamengo, LDU Quito, and Central Córdoba all still fighting for the two coveted spots in the next round.