Corinthians (Brazil) vs Flamengo (Brazil)
SC Corinthians won over Boca Juniors on penalties after drawing 0-0 both at home and away to reach the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals for the first time since 2012 (when they won the title). On Saturday, the team managed to beat Botafogo 1-0 at home, which represented their third victory across the last four games in all competitions. O Timao remain second-placed in the Brazilian league on 38 points after 20 rounds, four behind leaders Palmeiras. At home, Corinthians hold an impressive 21-game unbeaten streak of 15 victories and six draws in regular time.
Meanwhile, Flamengo haven’t found any trouble to reach the Copa Libertadores top eight again. On July 6th, the team thrashed Deportes Tolima 7-1 at home to make it 8-1 on aggregate. Last Saturday, O Rubro Negro also beat Atletico Goianiense at home to make it six matches unbeaten in all competitions, winning five and drawing one. On a curious note, their last loss was at Corinthians (1-0 away), which was their only defeat across the last four away matches (Flamengo won the other four). Dorival Junior’s men are fifth-placed in the Brazilian league on 33 points after 20 rounds.
Flamengo has added some big starts to their team like Arturo Vidal, but this is a massive game between two brazilian giants and Corinthians at home shouldn’t lose this 1st leg.