Flamengo Eliminate Cruzeiro at the Maracanã in All-Brazilian Clash to Advance to the 2026 CONMEBOL Libertadores Quarterfinals

Mengão made the most of home-field advantage and the support of their fans to overcome the Belo Horizonte side. Who will they face next?

Flamengo are celebrating after the iconic Maracanã Stadium once again proved to be a fortress for the home side. Fired up, Mengão defeated Cruzeiro 2-1, winning 3-2 on aggregate, in an all-Brazilian clash in the second leg of the 2026 CONMEBOL Libertadores Round of 16.

The victory sent Flamengo through to the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the series between Ecuador's Independiente del Valle and Colombia's Deportes Tolima.

Flamengo Make the Most of Home Advantage at the Maracanã

In front of 72,481 spectators, Flamengo came out determined to impose their authority from the opening minutes. The team coached by Portuguese manager Leonardo Jardim controlled possession, pushed their defensive line forward and effectively pinned Cruzeiro in their own half for much of the first half.

The visiting side, managed by Artur Jorge, struggled to move the ball forward and barely managed to get beyond midfield. Meanwhile, the defending champions found different ways to threaten Otávio's goal.

Léo Ortiz came close to opening the scoring with a header, while Samuel Lino tried two efforts from outside the box. Giorgian de Arrascaeta also tested his luck with an unorthodox attempt, but the Uruguayan would soon have his moment.

In the 35th minute, Pedro combined with De Arrascaeta, who broke into the box and curled a precise shot toward the far post. The effort was beyond Otávio's reach and sparked celebrations throughout the Maracanã.

The 1-0 scoreline reflected Flamengo's dominance, with the individual quality of their key players providing the difference they needed to take the lead in the tie.

Cruzeiro Fight Back and Put the Champions Under Pressure

The game changed completely after halftime. Cruzeiro pushed higher up the pitch and began applying much more aggressive pressure on the Rio de Janeiro side.

The Belo Horizonte team came close to equalizing when a move involving Kaio Jorge and Léo Pereira ended with the ball beating Agustín Rossi. Jorginho appeared on the goal line to keep it out. The play was reviewed by VAR, which determined that the ball had not completely crossed the line.

The warning soon became reality. In the 51st minute, captain Lucas Romero received the ball outside the box, looked up and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that caught Rossi by surprise.

The 1-1 scoreline once again changed the complexion of the tie. Cruzeiro grew in confidence, increased their attacking presence and forced the champions deeper. Kaio Jorge kept the home defense under pressure, while Flamengo struggled for several minutes to regain control.

However, just when the Rio side appeared to be at its most vulnerable, its attacking stars combined once again.

Samuel Lino Steps Up as Flamengo's Hero

In the 62nd minute, Pedro once again made the difference. The striker received the ball and found Samuel Lino with a precise touch, leaving him facing the Cruzeiro defense.

The former Atlético de Madrid player showcased his individual quality, cutting inside against William, leaving the defender beaten and firing a powerful finish past Otávio to make it 2-1.

The goal proved decisive for Cruzeiro's hopes. Flamengo regained their confidence, managed the lead and prevented the visitors from creating another opportunity capable of changing the course of the tie.

With the 2-1 final score, the defending champions moved past the first-leg draw and advanced to the 2026 Copa Libertadores quarterfinals.

Flamengo will now await the winner of the series between Colombia's Deportes Tolima and Ecuador's Independiente del Valle. The objective is clear: continue their pursuit of another continental crown and move closer to what would be their fifth Copa Libertadores title.