Rio de Janeiro had a double reason to stir as Flamengo moved past Independiente del Valle and kept its ambition of another Copa Libertadores title alive. Yet the night at the Maracanã also brought a familiar complaint from the home side: concern over the condition of the stadium pitch.
Flamengo advance in the Libertadores
Flamengo eliminated Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle from the Copa Libertadores, extending the Brazilian club’s pursuit of another continental crown.
- Flamengo secured qualification after overcoming Independiente del Valle.
- The result maintained the Rio club’s hopes of winning another Copa Libertadores.
- Independiente del Valle’s continental campaign ended against the Brazilian side.
Maracanã surface under scrutiny
Despite the progress on the field, Flamengo raised objections over the state of the grass at the Maracanã. The club want improved playing conditions at the stadium as their Libertadores campaign continues.
The issue added an unwelcome note to a successful qualification night, with Flamengo looking beyond the result and towards the surface on which they will pursue the rest of their continental season.
