Flamengo beat Independiente del Valle 2-0 this Thursday, at the Olímpico Atahualpa Stadium, in Quito, Ecuador, in the first leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals. The goals were scored by Bruno Henrique and Léo Pereira, securing the advantage for the Brazilian side in the race for a spot in the competition semifinals.
The match was defined by Quito's altitude, situated 2,850 meters above sea level, which represented a significant challenge for the red-and-black team. Independiente del Valle took advantage of the home factor to press, mainly with balls sent into the area, creating the main opportunity of the first half with González, who hit the goalpost defended by Rossi.
The first half was fragmented and had few highlights. While Del Valle recorded ten shots during the opening half, Flamengo practically failed to create offensive opportunities, unable to get a shot on goal against Quintana. The Brazilian team struggled with the rhythm imposed by the Ecuadorians at the start of the match.
With the positive result, Flamengo can even afford to lose by a one-goal margin in the return leg, which will be held at the Maracanã, on the same day the following week, at 9:30 PM (Brasília time). The red-and-black side seeks to advance to the Libertadores semifinals while maintaining the advantage built away from home.
