The first leg of the Copa Libertadores 2025 Round of 16 between Flamengo (Brazil) and Internacional (Brazil) will take place on August 14 at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Flamengo vs. Internacional: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Flamengo
Filipe Luis's squad advanced from second place in Group C, which they achieved thanks to victories in the final two rounds. Interestingly, three teams in this group collected 11 points each, necessitating a tiebreaker based on additional criteria. The Brazilians scored few goals in the group stage, averaging one goal per game while conceding only three. Among all the clubs in the main stage of the Copa Libertadores, only Racing has such defensive results. Since 2018, Flamengo has consistently reached the Copa Libertadores playoffs, winning the tournament twice (in 2019 and 2022) and reaching the final once (in 2021).
This summer, the club's roster was bolstered by forwards Michael, Juninho, and Gonzalo Plata, as well as defender Danilo. Meanwhile, midfielders Gerson Santos, Carlos Alcaraz, and Thiago Maia, along with defender Fabrício Bruno, departed the team.
- The Brazilians have not lost in regular time in 6 of their last 7 matches in the Copa Libertadores (3 wins and 3 draws).
- No more than two goals were scored in 90 minutes in 9 of Flamengo's last 10 games in this tournament.
- At least one team failed to score in regular time in 11 of the club's last 13 Copa Libertadores encounters.
Predicted lineup for Flamengo (4-5-1)
Agustín Rossi – Emerson Royal, Leo Ortiz, Alex Sandro, Clayton – Ayrton Lucas, Matías Viña, Jorginho, Erick Pulgar, Everton Araújo – Johnny Cardinoti Pedro.
Due to injuries, midfielders Nicolás De La Cruz, Erick Pulgar, forward Michael, and defender Danilo are out of action.
Internacional
Roger Machado's team comfortably won their Group F, collecting 11 points. The team showed decent attacking results, averaging two goals per game. Notably, only three clubs scored more frequently during the group stage. Last year, the Brazilians missed the Copa Libertadores, but in the 2023 season, they reached the semi-finals, where they were defeated by Fluminense. The last time the club won the Copa Libertadores was in 2010.
During the off-season, the club sold several players, including midfielders Maurício and Romulo, as well as defender Igor Gomes. In return, defenders Alejandro Bernabei, Vitão, and Kaique Rocha, along with midfielders Thiago Maia and Vitinho, joined the team.
- The club has not lost in regular time in 19 of their last 22 Copa Libertadores encounters.
- Both teams scored in 6 of Internacional's last 8 matches in this tournament.
- At least three goals were scored in regular time in 6 of the Brazilians' last 8 Copa Libertadores games.
Predicted lineup for Internacional (4-2-2-2)
Ivan Quaresma – Alejandro Bernabei, Juninho, Clayton, Alan Benítez – Thiago Maia, Alan Rodríguez – Bruno Tabata, Alan Patrick – Wesley, Ricardo Matias.
Due to injuries, goalkeeper Ivan Quaresma, defenders Bruno Gomes and Gabriel Mercado, midfielders Fernando, Oscar Romero, and Richard, forward Juan Carbonero, and Lucca Drummond are unavailable.
Referee
Dario Herrera (Argentina)
Matches – 8 (International matches, 2025);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 38;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.8;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 25%.
Match Prediction: Flamengo vs. Internacional
In this Brazilian derby, bookmakers clearly favor the hosts for the first leg. However, I believe the visitors have a good chance of not losing, or if they do, the defeat will be minimal. The teams consistently compete at an official level, and it is rare for one team to win by a convincing margin. In the last seven head-to-head meetings in Serie A, Flamengo has only secured one victory, and that was by a one-goal margin.
Notably, Internacional has an excellent record in the Copa Libertadores, suffering only one defeat by a margin of two or more goals in their last 25 matches. Meanwhile, Flamengo has only won three of their last 13 Copa Libertadores games by more than one goal. Considering the current form of both clubs and their head-to-head statistics, my prediction is – Internacional with a handicap (+1)
* The starting lineup for each team is based on their previous match.
