In a thrilling opener for Group C of the Copa Libertadores, Flamengo secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Deportivo Táchira on April 3, 2025, at the Estadio Polideportivo de Pueblo Nuevo in San Cristóbal, Venezuela. This hard-fought win not only gives Flamengo an early lead in the group but also adds to Táchira's historical struggles against the Brazilian giants.
The match began with both teams testing each other, but it was Flamengo who dominated possession, holding the ball for 60% of the time compared to Táchira's 40%. The Brazilian side also outperformed their rivals in shots on goal, registering 11 attempts compared to Táchira's 6.
Juninho, who came off the bench, proved to be the hero for Flamengo. After replacing Michael, he made an immediate impact, scoring just two minutes into his appearance in the 57th minute. The goal came from a well-executed play that started with a cross from Alex Sandro on the left. A double header in the box set up Juninho perfectly, allowing him to find the back of the net and seal the win for Flamengo.
"It was a great team effort, and I’m glad to have contributed with a goal. We knew it would be tough, but we stuck to our game plan and executed it well," Juninho said after the match.
Despite the defeat, Deportivo Táchira showed resilience. Their goalkeeper, Jesús Camargo, was instrumental in keeping the score level for much of the match, making several crucial saves early on. He managed to deny Flamengo's attempts until the decisive moment when Juninho struck.
Throughout the match, Táchira committed 14 fouls, while Flamengo was penalized only 7 times. Mauro Maidana received a yellow card, marking the fifth caution for Táchira during the game, a reflection of their struggle to contain Flamengo's attacking prowess.
The first half ended in a stalemate, with both teams unable to find the net. Flamengo had a slight edge in passing accuracy, completing 536 passes compared to Táchira's 294. However, Táchira’s defense held firm, keeping the Brazilian side at bay until the second half.
As the match progressed, Flamengo's experience began to show. They created more clear-cut chances, and their ability to maintain possession allowed them to dictate the tempo of the game. The match was broadcast live on Disney+, attracting a significant audience eager to witness the opening of this prestigious tournament.
Flamengo's victory puts them in a strong position in Group C, where they now lead after Central Córdoba and Liga Deportiva de Quito played to a goalless draw earlier in the day. The Brazilian club, which boasts a rich history in the Libertadores with three titles to their name in 1981, 2019, and 2022, is looking to add another trophy to their cabinet this year.
Looking ahead, Deportivo Táchira will travel to Ecuador to face Liga de Quito on April 9, while Flamengo will host Central Córdoba on the same day. Both matches will be crucial as teams aim to secure their positions in the group stage.
Flamengo's coach, Filipe Luís, expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, highlighting the importance of starting the tournament on a positive note. "Winning away from home is always tough, especially in the Libertadores. We showed our quality in the second half, and I believe this sets a good tone for the rest of the competition," he stated.
On the other side, Táchira's coach, Edgar Pérez Greco, acknowledged the challenges faced in the match but remained optimistic about his team's potential. "We played well in the first half, but we need to be more clinical in front of goal. The Libertadores is a learning experience for us, and we will come back stronger," he commented.
As the tournament progresses, fans will be eager to see how Flamengo can build on this victory and whether Táchira can bounce back from this setback. The Copa Libertadores is known for its unpredictability, and with teams like Flamengo in the mix, the competition promises to be fierce.
In summary, Flamengo's 1-0 win over Deportivo Táchira marks a significant start to their Copa Libertadores campaign, showcasing their strength and determination as they aim for another title. With more matches ahead, both teams will be looking to secure vital points as they navigate through the group stage.
