Millonarios vs Flamengo Prediction: Flamengo to make Copa Libertadores debut in Colombia

The most important South American club competition - the Copa Libertadores - is back. Flamengo has big ambitions in the competition it has won thrice in its history, most recently in 2022 against Athletico Paranaense. Brazilian clubs have won the Copa Libertadores in each of the last five years, achieving a total of 23 victories. They are now only two trophies behind Argentinian clubs in the 64 editions of the competition. Flamengo opens its campaign in Colombia against Millonarios and will look to continue its current good form.

The Bogotá team became known as The Blue Ballet due to the quality of its football when Alfredo Di Stefano played for the club before leaving for Real Madrid. Millonarios has never won the Copa Libertadores and continues to envy Atlético Nacional and Once Caldas, the only Colombian clubs to have lifted the trophy. Last year, The Blues were eliminated by Botafogo in Round 3, thus missing out on the group stage. Millonarios won the Apertura Tournament of the Colombian league in 2023, although the team is in mid-table this season. Bogotá's altitude of 2640 meters often makes it difficult for visiting teams and could help the home team.

The Scarlet-Black easily beat Nova Iguaçu 3-0 in the first leg of the Carioca final. Only a catastrophe will prevent Flamengo from lifting the trophy for the 38th time. The second leg will take place next weekend, but the comfortable lead in the final should tempt Tite to field his best players in the Copa Libertadores opener and rotate the team against Nova Iguaçu. The Vulture is in great form and hasn't conceded a goal in twelve games, which is quite impressive. Flamengo is the favorite, but let's see how the players feel playing at altitude.

Tite's work is visibly paying off, and the team looks much more solid than last year. Flamengo hasn't conceded a goal in twelve matches and has dominated its opponents game after game. Millonarios is performing modestly this season, although it has improved somewhat recently. It would be a surprise if the Colombians won this encounter, but Bogotá's altitude could hurt the Brazilians. I'm going for a Double Chance for Flamengo with a maximum of three goals scored in the game.