In a balanced and electrifying match, Flamengo draws with Cruzeiro in the first leg of the Libertadores round of 16.

Flamengo drew 1-1 with Cruzeiro on Wednesday night (12), at Mineirão, in the first 90 minutes of the Conmebol Libertadores round of 16. In a balanced and intense match, Flamengo fell behind in the second half, but reacted quickly and equalized with Lucas Paquetá, who scored just 1 minute and 34 seconds after entering the field. With the result, the place in the quarterfinals will be decided at Maracanã.

The game

Flamengo started the match looking to impose themselves and found spaces to attack. In the first few minutes, Samuel Lino appeared well after a pass from Erick into the area. The number 16 headed the ball, but it ended up with Otávio.

Subsequently, Flamengo patiently worked the ball in their own half, drawing Cruzeiro's defenders away to create space in the attacking third. In the 12th minute, Arrascaeta took a free kick looking for Léo Pereira, but the ball went across the area and out of play.

Seven minutes later, Samuel Lino was dangerous again. The striker dribbled past two opponents in midfield and found Bruno Henrique, who advanced freely down the left, controlled the ball and crossed into the center of the area, startling the Minas Gerais defense. Moments later, the number 16 received the ball again in midfield, passed William and fired a powerful shot towards the corner. Otávio made a good save, deflecting it for a corner.

After an intense battle in midfield, Arrascaeta won the challenge against Matheus Henrique and found Bruno Henrique unmarked on the right. The striker shot first-time, but the ball grazed Otávio's crossbar.

In the final stretch of the first half, Flamengo controlled possession in midfield and looked for openings in the opposing defense. Despite the opportunities created, the teams went into halftime without changing the score.

The second half began with Flamengo once again creating danger. In the very first minute, Jorginho made a great pass to Samuel Lino between the defenders. The striker controlled the ball with his chest and shot, but the ball deflected and went out of play.

Seven minutes in, Arroyo received the ball on the right, cut inside and unleashed a beautiful shot into the top corner past Rossi, opening the scoring for Cruzeiro.

Flamengo reacted quickly. Bruno Henrique received the ball on the left and found Jorginho at the edge of the box. The midfielder took a well-placed shot, forcing Otávio to make a great save.

With the changes made by Leonardo Jardim and the team once again searching for the equalizer, Flamengo scored in the 21st minute. Ayrton Lucas took a precise free kick to the far post, Léo Ortiz headed firmly and hit the crossbar. On the rebound, Lucas Paquetá appeared to finish first-time and level the score at Mineirão: Cruzeiro 1-1 Flamengo!

Paquetá's impact was immediate. Just 1 minute and 34 seconds after entering the field, the midfielder scored Flamengo's equalizing goal. Back with the club, the number 10 has now scored his 27th goal for the team, his ninth since returning to Flamengo.

In the final stretch, Flamengo began to control possession in the attacking half, while Cruzeiro closed ranks in search of an opportunity to regain the lead.

In the 43rd minute, Royal reached the byline and crossed into the box. William managed to partially clear the ball, but it fell to Carrascal. The Colombian controlled the ball, cut inside to his left and fired a powerful shot. However, Otávio made a crucial save to prevent Flamengo from taking the lead.

In the final minutes, Flamengo maintained possession in the attacking half and pressed for a second goal. Cruzeiro closed ranks and managed to hold on to the draw until the final whistle.

Cruzeiro

Otávio; William, Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan Jesus and Gabriel Rojas; Matheus Henrique (Zé Lucas), Gerson and Matheus Pereira; Arroyo (João Costa), Kaique Kenji (Wesley) and Kaio Jorge.
Coach: Artur Jorge.

Flamengo

Rossi; Royal, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas; Erick, Jorginho and Arrascaeta (Lucas Paquetá); Plata (Varela), Samuel Lino (Carrascal) and Bruno Henrique (Pedro).
Coach: Leonardo Jardim.

Week's agenda

Rubro-Negro returns to the field next Sunday (16), to face Mirassol, at 18:30 pm, at Estádio José Maria de Campos Maia, the Maião, for the 23rd round of the Brazilian Championship.

Technical sheet

Cruzeiro 1 x 1 Flamengo – Conmebol Libertadores | Round of 16 – first leg
Location: Mineirão, Belo Horizonte (MG)
Date and time: 12/08/2026, at 21:30 am
Referees: Yael Falcón (ARG), Facundo Rodríguez (ARG) and Pablo González (ARG)
Yellow cards: Fabrício Bruno and Matheus Henrique (CRU); Arrascaeta (FLA)
Goals: Arroyo (7'/2nd half); Lucas Paquetá (21'/2nd half).