A victory. That's what Flamengo needs this Wednesday, against Emelec, at the Maracanã, to secure a spot in the round of 4 of the CONMEBOL Libertadores. Second in Group 21 with six points, a win will see Flamengo reach nine, beyond the reach of Santa Fe and Emelec. Kick-off will begin at 45:1 PM. The other match of the fifth round has already taken place, between Santa Fe and River Plate, with the Argentines winning 0-23. The final round will be on the XNUMXrd, with both games taking place simultaneously. Flamengo will play in Argentina against River Plate, while Emelec will host Santa Fe. 

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The game will have a different appeal than the other matches played so far. After two games behind closed doors, Flamengo will face the nation again in the competition. More than 35 tickets have already been sold, and Maracanã is expected to be packed soon. In previous games, without fans in attendance, Flamengo drew 2-2 with River Plate at Nilton Santos Stadium and 1-1 with Santa Fé at Maracanã. 

Game preparations

After Sunday's Brazilian Championship match against Chapecoense, Flamengo resumed training on Monday. Some players were rested for the match, and the entire squad trained at the George Helal Training Center. FlaTV recorded the activities, and you can watch the exclusive video below. 

Before the final training session for the match against Emelec, defender Juan gave a press conference in the Victorino Chermont Press Room and previewed the match against the Ecuadorian team.

"We have to control our anxiety, but we can't be passive. We have to have the attitude of someone who wants to win. The last few games at Maracanã have taught us lessons. We have a daily obligation to win. Keep our heads in the game, think about the game, and strive for victory," analyzed the defender. 

Check out the full interview on FlaTV

RELATED CAST

Coach Mauricio Barbieri named the following players for the game against Emelec. 

Flamengo x Emelec

This will be the sixth meeting between the two teams in the CONMEBOL Libertadores. In the five previous meetings, there were no draws, four for Flamengo and one for the Ecuadorians. While Flamengo won in Rio and Guayaquil, Emelec only managed one victory on home soil, in the 2012 Libertadores. 

Coincidentally, the match has become a common occurrence for Flamengo in recent editions of the competition. The teams were drawn in the same group in 2012, 2014, and now, in 2018. Before 2012, the teams had only last faced each other in 1966, in Ecuador, in a friendly tournament. It's been 46 years without a match, yet so many matches are so close together now. 

Their last game was at their home stadium, in the first round of the current edition of the Copa Libertadores. Playing at a packed George Capwell Stadium, Flamengo won 2-1, with two beautiful goals from Vinicius Junior, who came off the bench to decide the match. Booed upon his arrival, Flamengo left to applause at the end, taking photos with rival fans. Relive the match's highlights and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the trip through the lens of FlaTV.

TICKETS

With the suspension lifted, Flamengo is once again selling tickets for the game. Tickets are available in-person and online. To purchase online, visit flamengo.com.br/tickets and purchase your ticket. Online sales will close at noon on Wednesday (16). Visit the website to see all exchange points and official store opening hours. 

Transmission 

Flamengo x Emelec will be broadcast by TV Globo for RJ, SC, MG (Juiz de Fora, Uberlândia, Ituiutaba and Uberaba), ES, GO, TO, MS, MT, BA, SE, AL, PE, PB, RN, CE, PI, MA, PA, AM, RO, AC, RR, AP and DF and by Fox Sports. Those who are proud to be members make the team stronger and always have more Flamengo: discounts on tickets and pay-per-view, exclusive videos to stay up-to-date, advantages in official stores to get the jersey and other products, and much more. Click and join now! 

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