Independiente del Valle to host Flamengo in Libertadores quarter-finals

Independiente del Valle will host Flamengo in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals on September 10, 2026, at the Olímpico Atahualpa Stadium in Quito, Ecuador. The match is expected to be influenced by the high altitude of Quito, which sits at approximately 2,850 meters.

Flamengo, the defending continental champion, advanced to this stage after defeating Cruzeiro in the round of 16. The Brazilian side is currently managed by Leonardo Jardim and enters the match following a 3-0 victory over Botafogo in the Brasileirão. Key players for Flamengo include Samuel Lino and Pedro.

Independiente del Valle reached the quarter-finals by eliminating Deportes Tolima with an aggregate score of 4-1. Managed by Joaquín Papa, the Ecuadorian side has shown strong form, recording four wins and one draw in their last five matches. Carlos González remains a primary offensive threat for the home side.