Copa Libertadores 2022: The edge between Corinthians and Flamengo – tactical preview

For what could be the fixture of the year in Brazilian football, Corinthians and Flamengo will face off for a spot in the semi-final of the Copa Libertadores 2022. The derby between Brazil’s two biggest fan bases has 104 years of history, with football’s most iconic legends being protagonists. From Zico and Romário to Sócrates and Ronaldo, this derby has hosted numerous legends.

In addition to the history behind this fixture, this year’s quarter-final will be a fascinating tactical clash between two distinct managers. With Vitor Pereira in charge, Corinthians will be relying on stars like former Arsenal and Chelsea winger Willian and Róger Guedes to lead their attack. On the other hand, Dorival Júnior’s recent appointment has brought some stability to Flamengo, with their star players finally returning to form. Additionally, both teams have signed some big names over the past few weeks, and they will certainly be hoping to make an impact. Most notably, Flamengo have brought in former Barcelona and Inter Milan midfielder Arturo Vidal.

In this tactical analysis preview, we will examine the tactics behind this mouth-watering Copa Libertadores quarter-final. In order to determine how the two systems interact, we will first examine their recent meeting in the Série A. After their tactical strategies are identified, we will consider what might give each team the edge in this close battle.

Balanced battle

Three weeks ago in the Série A, Corinthians defeated Flamengo in a narrow 1-0 victory after Rodinei’s own goal. Although a few key players were missing, the match showcased how the two teams’ tactics interact in a preview of the quarter-final. Despite the 1-0 result, the match was fairly even as neither team was able to dominate. While Flamengo had twice as many chances, the quality was equal with both teams creating around 1.3 xG. Possession was also equally distributed, with Flamengo having just over 51%.

Further metrics, however, allow us to identify a difference in strategy and effectiveness. Through both statistical and tactical analysis, we can examine the structure and behaviour of both teams in this match. First, while the two teams were pressing high, neither were entirely successful. Flamengo’s 10.29 PPDA is higher than Corinthians’ 12.72, explaining their slight advantage in total passes. Furthermore, when compared to Flamengo’s 9.42%, Corinthians’ 11.49 long pass percentage highlights a slightly harder time in their build-up.

Corinthians lined up in an asymmetric 3-4-1-2, with right wing-back Rafael Ramos being slightly lower than left wing-back Lucas Piton. In the middle, Víctor Cantillo and Du Queiroz formed a double pivot. On the other hand, Flamengo pressed in their initial 4-3-1-2/4-1-3-2 structure.

Corinthians almost exclusively look to build up through the sides, a strategy Flamengo were able to exploit. Using the touchline as an extra defender, Mengão shifted across in a zonal press while maintaining their structure. While one centre-forward blocked the switch, in this example Gabigol and the midfield would join the other in attempting to box Corinthians in. The natural narrowness of Flamengo’s 4-3-1-2 dictates their pack-like behaviour out of possession.