Internacional-RS — Flamengo : Match Preview and Prediction for August 21,2025

Recent Form: A Challenging Week for Internacional-RS

Internacional-RS approaches the decisive Copa Libertadores Round of 16 second leg burdened by a difficult week, having suffered two consecutive defeats against the very same opponent.

Uphill Battle for Advancement

Roger Machado’s squad faces an uphill battle; securing a two-goal margin of victory is imperative for progression, a feat that appears daunting given their recent 3-1 home defeat to Flamengo at Estádio Beira-Rio in the Brazilian league just days prior.

Key Absences and Remaining Hopes

Compounding their woes are significant squad absences, with defender Mercado, goalkeeper Ivan, and midfielder Bruno Gomes sidelined. While Colombian forward Carbonero has recovered, a starting role seems improbable, likely consigning him to the bench. The ‘Colorado’ faithful now pin their hopes on captain Alan Patrick, who was strategically rested in the previous fixture, though his solitary brilliance may not suffice.

Flamengo’s Impressive Form

Conversely, the Rio de Janeiro visitors are hitting peak form. Under Filipe Luis’s guidance, Flamengo sits atop the Brazilian Serie A and boasts an impressive five-match unbeaten run, clinching victory in four of those encounters. Their dominant 3-1 away win just days ago further cemented their superiority following a crucial 1-0 first-leg advantage.

Strengthened Squad and Key Returns

The ‘Rubro-Negro’ squad is steadily gaining strength. Key midfielder Arrascaeta is back from suspension, and both defender Danilo and central midfielder De la Cruz have made their return from injuries, featuring in the most recent game. New signings, Saúl and Jorginho, have perfectly settled into the midfield, a partnership Filipe Luis himself lauded as ‘the team’s new heart,’ significantly enhancing their overall performance.

Financial Strength and Squad Depth

Furthermore, the club’s robust financial standing is notable, underscored by a recently approved record-breaking sponsorship agreement with Betano, valued at 268 million Brazilian Reais annually. This substantial investment reinforces Flamengo’s ambition and capacity to cultivate a deep, high-quality roster, where prolific forwards like Pedro, who netted a brace in the last match, keenly vie for a starting position against talents such as Bruno Henrique.