Flamengo begins a marathon of games with a clash against Grêmio in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil
Coach Maurício Barbieri highlights that this Wednesday's game is already a decision
By Flamengo Communication - inThe Copa do Brasil returns to Flamengo's menu. A little over two months have passed since the 0-0 draw with Ponte Preta in the round of 16. And this Wednesday, Flamengo resumes its journey with a match against Grêmio at 9:45 pm at Arena do Grêmio in the first leg of the quarterfinals. The return leg will be at Maracanã on the 15th at the same time.
This won't be the only clash between Flamengo and Grêmio. Over the next 15 days, the teams will face each other three times: twice in the Copa do Brasil and once in the Campeonato Brasileiro. After Tuesday's training session in Viamão, Rio Grande do Sul, coach Maurício Barbieri spoke about the first Copa clash, which he described as a decisive match.
"Being able to participate in any decision is a privilege. Flamengo has earned this right on the field, as has Grêmio. I imagine it will be a very good game, between two highly qualified teams. I feel privileged, but with great care and respect, we will try to get a result for Flamengo."
Related to Grêmio x Flamengo
Coach Mauricio Barbieri named the following players for the match:
Grêmio x Flamengo
Flamengo and Grêmio face off again in the Copa do Brasil after 14 years. The last meeting between the teams took place in 2004, in the quarterfinals. Just like this time, the first leg was held in Porto Alegre, and Grêmio won 1-0, with a goal scored by midfielder Zinho. In the return match, in Rio, the teams drew 0-0, and Flamengo advanced to the semifinals.
In total, Flamengo and Grêmio have faced each other 12 times in the Copa do Brasil knockout rounds. They've won four, drawn five, and lost three. Another notable match came in 1999, when Flamengo eliminated Grêmio in the round of 16. In the first leg, also in Porto Alegre, Flamengo prevailed, with Romário and Caio scoring in a 2-1 victory. In the return leg, in Rio, a 2-2 draw saw Grêmio qualify.
It's worth remembering that Wednesday's match marks midfielder Diego's 100th game with the Sacred Mantle. And it was against Grêmio that the number 10 made his Flamengo debut, in a 2-1 victory in the 2016 Brasileirão, when he even scored a goal.
Transmission
The first leg between Grêmio and Flamengo will be broadcast exclusively by SporTV throughout Brazil.
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