Copa Libertadores Preview: Flamengo Holds Advantage in All-Brazilian Showdown with Internacional

The stakes are at their highest as two of Brazil’s footballing giants, Internacional and Flamengo, prepare for a decisive clash in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores Round of 16. With the tie delicately balanced, the stage is set at the Estadio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre for a dramatic conclusion this midweek. The match kicks off on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 8:30 PM local time. While the game may not be televised in key international markets, fans can still catch all the action, with Fubo providing streaming services in the United States.

This all-Brazilian affair has a recent and telling history. Just last weekend, in a dress rehearsal for this continental battle, Flamengo delivered a commanding performance, defeating Internacional 3-1 in a Brazilian Serie A league match. That encounter, also held at the Estadio Beira-Rio, saw Flamengo’s striker Pedro find the back of the net twice, with Gonzalo Plata adding a third, before Rafael Santos Borré managed to pull one back for Internacional in second-half stoppage time. This result gives Flamengo a significant psychological edge heading into the crucial second leg.

The First Leg Advantage

The foundation for Flamengo’s current favorable position was laid in the first leg of this CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores tie. In a tightly contested match at the iconic Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, Flamengo secured a crucial 1-0 victory. The only goal of that game came from the in-form Bruno Henrique, a strike that has provided Flamengo with the upper hand in the aggregate score. This impressive run of form is a testament to the tactical prowess of their manager, former Chelsea and Brazil defender Filipe Luis, who has quickly established a winning identity with the club.

While Internacional will benefit from playing in front of their home supporters in Porto Alegre, their recent results have been less than convincing. This indifferent form contrasts sharply with Flamengo's momentum, which makes the visiting side the undeniable favorites to advance to the next round of the tournament.

The Tactical Battle: Luis's Flamengo vs. Internacional at Home

Filipe Luis has transformed Flamengo into a formidable unit, known for its disciplined defense and clinical finishing. With attackers like Pedro and Bruno Henrique firing on all cylinders, they pose a constant threat on the counter-attack and from set pieces. Their ability to score three goals against Internacional just days ago, on the same field, highlights their offensive firepower and tactical superiority.

Internacional, on the other hand, will need to leverage the energy of their home crowd to overcome a one-goal deficit. They will rely heavily on their key players, such as Rafael Santos Borré, who demonstrated his scoring ability in the weekend's league match. However, to truly stand a chance, they will need to tighten up their defense and find a way to contain Flamengo's potent attack, something they failed to do in their most recent encounter.

Prediction & Betting Insights

Given Flamengo's recent dominance over Internacional, including their most recent victory at the very same venue, they hold a significant advantage. While a home crowd can provide a boost, Internacional's recent form suggests they may struggle to overcome a well-drilled Flamengo side that has a clear plan and a proven track record of getting results under pressure.

Prediction: Flamengo to win or draw. Their superior form, psychological edge, and tactical discipline make them the smart choice to advance.