Flamengo vs Peñarol Prediction: Flamengo faces an old rival

Flamengo and Peñarol have met six times in their history, and the Uruguayans have a clear advantage, with four wins and only one defeat. Flamengo is one of the favorites to win the Copa Libertadores, but the high number of injuries puts the Brazilian team's qualification in danger.

The Scarlet-Black drew 1-1 with Vasco da Gama in the Carioca derby and moved further away from the top spot. Flamengo kept fourth place in the Brasileirão but is now eight points behind leader Botafogo. The Mengão was the team that pursued victory the most and hit the woodwork twice in the second half before scoring in the 72nd minute through captain Gerson. However, in the 87th minute, when few were expecting it, Philippe Coutinho appeared in the six-yard box and leveled the score with a diving header. Winger Luis Araújo left the match injured and joined the long list of injured players, which includes Michael, Pedro, Everton, and Viña. The latter three won't play again this season, and Araújo will probably miss two months. It's still possible to win the Série A, but if that doesn't happen, the Copa Libertadores could save Flamengo's season. Now it's time to beat Peñarol at home, and it won't be easy.

The Carboneros had no problem beating Rampla Juniors 4-0 in Uruguay's Primera División. In the three rounds of the Torneo Clausura, the Montevideo side won two games and drew one. The players can now focus on the clash with Flamengo and their dream of winning the Copa Libertadores. The Uruguayans have won the South American competition on five occasions, but the last time they lifted the trophy was in 1987. After that, Peñarol only reached one more final, in 2011, but lost to Santos, with Neymar scoring one of the goals. This year, Peñarol met a Brazilian club in the group stage, Atlético Mineiro. The Uruguayans lost 3-2 in Belo Horizonte and won 2-0 at home.

Despite several absences due to injury, Flamengo is the favorite to advance to the semi-finals. The game in Montevideo will probably be tricky for the Brazilians, so Flamengo must win at the Maracanã, preferably by at least a two-goal margin. The team's attacking sector isn't at full strength, but Flamengo should still find a way to score against Peñarol. I'm backing the Brazilians to win with a maximum of four goals scored in the match.