Flamengo Advance Despite Loss to Bolívar
Flamengo secured their spot in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals despite a 1-0 loss at the 3,650-meter altitude of La Paz, advancing with a 2-1 aggregate score to set up a clash with Peñarol.
The Bolivians needed to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg at the Maracanã, but a 56th-minute goal from their Brazilian midfielder Bruno Savio wasn’t enough for the comeback they hoped for.
Both teams played a fast-paced game, with Bolívar building from the back and Flamengo showing they wouldn’t shy away from attacking.
Tite’s side focused on attacking down the right and through Gerson, who had three chances to score, including a one-on-one that was saved by goalkeeper Carlos Lampe.
Bolívar's efforts were led by Bruno Savio’s runs and Fábio Gomes’ threat in the box.
Ramiro Vaca had the best chance to break the deadlock, but his close-range shot was saved by Flamengo's Argentine keeper, Agustín Rossi.
Rossi took his time on goal kicks to slow the game down.
Flamengo had a golden opportunity early in the second half, but Ayrton missed with Lampe already beaten.
Savio then hit the crossbar and minutes later, he got his revenge with a header from a cross that beat Rossi.
Tite adjusted his tactics, focusing on holding the line and maintaining the score.
In the final minutes, a shot from Henry Vaca could have sent the match to penalties, but it struck the crossbar.
Flamengo will face Uruguay’s Peñarol in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals after they knocked out Bolivia’s The Strongest.