The first leg of the 2025 Copa Libertadores 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 side secured the second spot in Group C, clinching it with victories in the last two fixtures. Interestingly, three teams in this group ended with 11 points, requiring additional criteria to determine the standings. Flamengo scored sparingly in the group stage, averaging one goal per game while conceding only three. Among all clubs in the main stage of the Copa Libertadores, only Racing matched 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 added forwards Michael, Juninho, and Gonzalo Plata, along with defender Danilo. Midfielders Gerson Santos, Carlos Alcaraz, and Thiago Maia, as well as defender Fabrizio Bruno, have left the team.
- Flamengo has not lost in regular time in 6 of their last 7 Copa Libertadores matches (3 wins, 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 matches.
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 unavailable.
Internacional
Roger Machado's team comfortably won their Group F, collecting 11 points. The team showed good attacking results, averaging two goals per game. Notably, only three clubs scored more frequently in the group stage. Last year, the Brazilians missed the Copa Libertadores, but in the 2023 season, they reached the semifinals, where they lost to Fluminense. The last time the club won the Copa Libertadores was in 2010.
In the offseason, the club sold several players, including midfielders Mauricio and Romulo, as well as defender Igor Gomes. Replacements include defenders Alejandro Bernabei, Vitão, and Kaique Rocha, midfielders Thiago Maia and Vitinho.
- The club has not lost in regular time in 19 of their last 22 Copa Libertadores matches.
- 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 Rodriguez – 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 Joan 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%.
Flamengo vs. Internacional: Match Prediction
In this Brazilian derby, bookmakers clearly favor the hosts for the first leg. However, I believe the visitors have a decent chance to avoid defeat, or if they do lose, it will be by a minimal margin. The teams consistently play each other at the official level, and it's rare for one side to secure a convincing victory. In the last 7 head-to-head matches in Serie A, Flamengo has only won once, and that was by a one-goal margin.
Notably, Internacional boasts excellent records in the Copa Libertadores, with only one defeat by a two-goal margin or more in their last 25 matches. Meanwhile, Flamengo has only achieved 3 victories by more than one goal in their last 13 Copa Libertadores games. Considering the current form of both clubs and their head-to-head statistics, I suggest the prediction – Internacional with a handicap (+1)
* The starting lineup for each team is based on their previous match.
