Flamengo romp to 5-0 win to set up final with River Plate

In the end it was just too one sided. As we saw in Porto Alegre in the first leg, the gulf in class between Flamengo and Gremio is considerable and night that was masked somewhat by the 1-1 final scoreline.

Tonight, Gremio made a game of it for about 15 minutes before Fla' began to impose their authority on proceedings as Bruno Henrique opened their account in the 42nd minute after some fine work from the outstanding Gabriel Barosa.  

Two early second half goals from Gabigol virtually ended the contest with two fine headers from Mari and Rodrigo rubbing salt in Gremio's wound as the Tricolor fans left their seats at the Maracana well before the final whistle.

An intriguing awaits in Santiago de Chile with two teams with very different styles going head to head on top of the traditional Argentina v Brazil rivalry that will be the base ingredient to add to the occasion. 

Very one sided affair. Gremio made a game of it for 10-15 minutes before the men in red and black took control 

Remember the date, November 23rd in Santiago de Chile.  

Flamengo vs. River Plate is the 2019 Copa Libertadores final.

Flamengo bench poised to celebrate as the whistle sounds

Gremio to their credit have still had a go and not completely capitulated. 

Diego almost makes it 6 as Victor gets a hand to his shot as 3 minutes of time will be added.  

Gremio appealing for a penalty after the ball appears to hit Rafinha on the arm. Nothing going as Everton blasts over. 

Gerson off-Diego on (Flamengo change)

Fine strike from Everton forcing Diego Alves to save well

Flamengo have decided that 5 is enough with visible lack of intensity from the men in red and black. 

Less than 10' remain at the Maracana. Time just ticking down now for both teams. 

63.000 fans at the stadium tonight, not a 100% full house but a respectable crowd nonetheless.  

Swatches of the visiting Gremio fans have had enough and start to drift away from their seats at the Maracana.   

Alisson off with Thaciano on for Gremio.

So, thoughts now turn to a River Plate vs Flamengo final which is certainly a mouth-watering proposition with two teams with very different styles. 

Vitinho on - Bruno off for Flamengo.

Still 20' remain at the Maracana as Flamengo bag a fifth. Rodrigo heading home a Everton free kick

Mari latching onto the corner and steering the ball past Victor

Flamengo in total control now and a fourth goal appears closer than Germio finding an opener. 

Maicon off/Tardelli on for Gremio

The ball is in the Gremio net once again as Gabigol finds Henrique who slots home but the Fla No.9 was marginally offside.

An hour gone in Rio and Gremio staring an exit from the 2019 Libertadores as things stand. 

Andre off-Pepe on (Gremio)

Andre off-Pepe on (Gremio)

Impossible for Gremio now, Impossible to see the visiitrs bag four goals.

The No. 9 strikes and slots home left footed.... Flamengo 3 ahead now 

Gabigol to take the spot kick.

VAR being consulted regarding the decision but it appeared that there was contact. 

Penalty for Flamengo as the Argentine ref immediately points to the spot as Henrique is taken down by Geromel.

No extra time - spot kicks with that goal

Fabulous strike from the Flamengo striker as he swivels and rifles the ball into the roof of the Gremio net with nothing victor could do in the Gremio goal.

Everton (Fla) blazes over under pressure from Kannemann.

The sides are on the pitch and it will be Flamengo who start the action.

The whistle sounds with Flamengo ahead 1-0 at the break with Bruno Henrique's goal the difference between the sides.

2 minutes of time to be added

Henrique on hand to latch onto the spill from Victor after a Gabigoal shot.

Gooooooooooooooool. Flamengo go ahead  

Gabigol picks up the ball in the box, control and turn and a driving shot but unable to steer past Victor in the Gremio goal. 

Great work-rate from Flamengo as they pressure the Gremio midfield and defenders trying to prevent them for playing the ball around.

Great effort from Flamengo as De Arrascaeta tests Victor who is forced to produce a fine stop. Gremio will be anxious to get in at the break and regroup.

Everton (Gremio) carded for hacking at Willian's heels.

We're reached the 30 minute mark and Flamengo are now starting to impose themselves on the game. Gremio pegged back now as Fla dominate. 

What a header by Henrique almost putting Fla ahead stooping low to drive the ball after a fine assist from Rafinha. Best chance of the night so far.

Andre does well for Gremio, holding the ball up and winning a free for his side.

Flamengo dominate possession.

Geromel heads for Gremio but no accuracy on the effort but it's the visiotrs with the better of the early chances.  

Gremio almost take the lead as Everton finds Maicon but the Gremio man sends the ball straight at Diego Alves when it appeared easier to slot home.  

Gabibol goes to ground on the edge of the Gremio box but no infringement says ref. Loustau. Everton almost breaks for Gremio. 

Too many stops and starts at present which is hampering the continity and spectacle.

Caio carded for high feet. 

Two chances for Flamengo as Everton has a shot blocked, the ball then reaches Gabigoal who heads straight at Victor. Flamengo now starting to claw themselves back into the action. 

The Argentine defender would miss the final should Gremio secure a final berth.

Early card for Kannemann as the Argentine lunges at Henrique.

Gremio enjoying the better start at the Maracana. Can the Tricolor make their second final in three years? 

Andre and Everton are the Gremio danger men with Gabigol the obvious goal scoring threat for Fla.

Nervy start from both sides with Everton demanding an early corner. Ref. says play on.  

Gremio to start the action as we await the signal from the ref. and 4th official. Off we go .....

Kaka spotted at the Maracana tonight with the former Milan and Real Madrid player snapping a quick panoramic of the action.

Patricio Loustao (Arg) is tonight's match official.

Fireworks light up the Rio sky as the decibel levels from the 80,000 plus fans at the Maracana hits 11! 

The teams take to the pitch at a packed Maracana ... "To the end" reads a massive mosaic from the home fans. Great scenes !

Gabigol warms up as kick-off looms. The AS English prediction: Flamengo 2-1 Gremio

Flamengo are the form team and strongly predicted to advance to the November final. Fla are top of the Serie A table with a 10 point advantage over Palmeiras with nine matches remaining. Gremio lie in 7th and currently out of a Libertadores spot.   

Don't forget, the only scoreline that will take us to a penalty shoot-out is a 1-1 draw. A  0-0 would see Flamengo advance but a 2-2, 3-3 etc draw would see Gremio in the November 23 final.

Plenty of Gremio fans have made the trip too from Porto Alegre with approximately 5.000 Gremistas in the away sector.

The "Nação Rubro-Negra" are packed into the Maracana tonight.

Gremio have claimed the Libertadores title on three occasions: 1983, 1995, 2017.

Despite being one of Brazil's biggest clubs, Fla have just one Libertadores title to their name (1981).

Gabriel Barbosa or Gabigol as he's widely known with a religious plea earlier via social media.

Gremio too wear their classic blue, black and white stripes with the "Tricolor" one of the finest in world football.

Both sides will wear their home kits tonight with Flamengo in their classic red and black hoops.

The official Libertadores team sheet

Ideal conditions tonight in Rio with a temperature of 22C and no threat of rain during the tie.

The Maracana is a sea of red and black tonight as kick-off looms.

Filipe Luis back for Flamengo who start with Gabigol up front and Maicon is in for Gremio despite being a major doubt for the "Tricolor".

Gremio also confirm their starting line-up: 

Flamengo confirm their XI

The action gets underway at the iconic Maracana stadium at 21:30 (local time) and 02:30 CEST. 

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the second Copa Libertadores semi-final as Flamengo face Gremio in an all Brazilian tie.