Flamengo v Athletico Paranaense

Guayaquil is ready for the big one, the Copa Libertadores final. This is the third consecutive year that South America's top prize will be contested between two Brazilian outfits in a battle of the Rubro Negro's, Athletico Paranaense and Flamengo

In 2019, Jorge Jesus' Flamengo lifted the Libertadores title for the first time since 1981, when a Gabriel Barbosa double at the death broke River Plate hearts. 2021 saw Flamengo reach the final again, this time against Palmeiras, where a mistake from Andreas Pereira in extra time, saw Palmeiras' Deyverson write his name into the history books After a difficult start to the 2022 season, Dorival Junior has turned Flamengo into a winning machine and once again they will fight for South America's finest trophy. Their form coming into the clash is superb… They have won their last four matches and are unbeaten in their last eight matches.

In this period, Flamengo lifted the Copa do Brasil, by seeing off Corinthians on penalties earlier this month. They come into this clash beaming with confidence and no matter which eleven play, they will feel they can make history. Bruno Henrique, Guillermo Varela and Rodrigo Caio miss out due to injuries.

2005 was the last time Athletico Paranaense was in a Copa Libertadores final, which was when it was played over two legs. Athletico suffered a 5-1 aggregate defeat to Sao Paulo after being placed on the backfoot before the tie even began when the first leg was moved from Athletico’s home, Arena da Baixada, to the Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre due to an alleged capacity issue. This time, however, there can be no complaints as both sides are disadvantaged by having to play the match in a completely different country.

Furacão's form coming into the game is poor, since qualifying for the final, they have only won two of nine matches, but in a final, the form book usually goes out of the window and it's about who handles their nerve on the day. Athletico boss, Luiz Felipe Scolari, has a history in this competition having won it twice back in 1995 (Gremio) and 1999 (Palmeiras).

Last year, Flamengo were caught cold by Palmeiras' willingness to attack, something they hadn't done too often. This time, they will look to start the game on the front foot and put Athletico under pressure from the get-go. Scolari's men will try to do everything in their power to frustrate Flamengo and hit them on the counterattack. They will need to rely on the experienced heads of players like Fernandinho and Thiago Helano to help settle the nerves among the players, as well as the fearless 17-year-old Vitor Roque who has scored key goals for Athletico this season. Flamengo have been here before which will play into their hands in the opening exchanges. Pedro has been in great form in this competition, netting 12 times in the same number of matches, and he will be eager to add to his tally.

Flamengo come into this match as favourites and are unbeaten in their last three matches in this fixture. Whilst we feel the match will be a close affair, the side from Rio de Janeiro should have just enough to lift their third Copa Libertadores title.