Leonardo Jardim Extends 17-Game Lineup Run Before Vitória Vs Flamengo

Leonardo Jardim still has not repeated a Flamengo starting lineup in 17 matches, and that run is set to continue in vitória vs flamengo at Barradão. Flamengo enters the 21:30 Copa do Brasil second leg with a 2-1 first-leg lead, so the choices now point straight at control, not caution.

Jardim’s 17-match pattern

Since arriving at Flamengo in the start of March, Jardim has changed his XI every time. The alterations have been driven more by tactics than by injuries or suspensions, which makes the second leg at Barradão a continuation of the same approach rather than a one-off adjustment.

Pedro and Samuel Lino have been the most used field players in that run, with 16 matches each. Lino has started 15 times, while Pedro has started 13. Rossi has been in goal in all 17 matches of the Jardim era, including the annulled match against Independiente Medellín in the Libertadores.

Pedro, Lino and Rossi

The selection picture also shows how Flamengo has rotated its attack around the competitions it is playing. Pedro did not start any of the club’s four Libertadores matches so far, while Bruno Henrique, Danilo and Emerson Royal started all four of them. Luiz Araújo has been the most frequent option off the bench under Jardim, with six substitute appearances.

That spread fits Jardim’s stated plan. He said Flamengo had to stay open to three competitions at once, and the club has been trying to keep pace in the Copa do Brasil, Libertadores and Brasileirão while still protecting legs for the stretch run through 30 May.

Barradão and the first-leg edge

Flamengo’s 2-1 win over Vitória at Maracanã gives it the advantage of a draw to advance. Vitória needs a one-goal win to force penalties, while a win by two or more goals sends it through directly. A simple Flamengo win also secures qualification for the Cariocas.

The practical consequence is clear for tonight: Flamengo does not need to chase the game, but it still has to avoid letting Vitória turn the tie into a one-goal margin. Jardim’s next lineup choice will show whether he leans toward preserving the group or keeps the same tactical churn that has defined his first 17 matches.