When the Brazilian side Flamengo welcomes the Peruvian team, Sporting Cristal, to the Maracana for their Copa Libertadores contest, they will be aiming to maintain their unbeaten record in this tournament with kickoff at 3:30 am.
So far, Fluminense has had a fantastic run in the Copa Libertadores, winning four from five games. The 2019 South American champions began their group stage with three consecutive victories before a 2-2 draw against Talleres halted their winning run.
Although they managed to return to winning ways on matchday four, thrashing Universidad Catolica 3-0 thanks to goals from Willian Arao, Everton Ribeiro, and Pedro.
The Brazilian side enters the final matchday knowing that they will finish top of the group, but the hosts will still be motivated to maintain their unbeaten record. Fluminense will be confident that they can clinch all three points after winning both of their home group games by a combined 6-1 scoreline.
Sporting Cristal is two points from qualifying for the knockout rounds of the Copa Libertadores. The Peruvian team began the group phase with three consecutive defeats but played out back-to-back draws to get themselves on the board.
Although they will bow out of South America’s premier competition, Tuesday’s visitors still have the chance to qualify for the last 16 of the Copa Sudamericana.
Flamengo vs. Sporting Cristal Head to Head
Both sides have one game against each other, with the hosts taking one win while the visitors are still winless. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Flamengo 1-0 Goias
- Flamengo 3-0 Catolica
- Ceara 2-2 Flamengo
- Flamengo 2-0 Atlos
Away
- Deportes 1-1 Cristal
- Sporting Cristal 0-0 Talleres
- Cristal 3-2 Ayacucho
- Deportiva Tarma 1-1 Sporting Cristal
Flamengo Team News
Flamengo will be without the services of Fabricio Bruno, Gustavo Henrique, Matheus Franca, and Vitinho on Tuesday as all four players are recovering from injuries. Filipe Luis is also expected to be absent after missing the last four matches due to a calf problem. With a place in the knockout rounds already secured, Flamengo could give several first-team regulars a rest on Tuesday.
Sporting Cristal Team News
The 28-year-old goalkeeper Alejandro Duarte dropped down to the bench for Saturday’s league contest and will return to the starting eleven for Wednesday’s midweek match. Gianfranco Chavez and Omar Merlo are expected to form the center-back pairing for the third consecutive game.
Prediction and Odds
Although Flamengo is already assured of first place in Group G, we think it will beat Sporting Cristal on Tuesday, which would give it three straight wins.
- Flamengo Win
- Both Teams to Score
- Goals Over 2.5
