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Brazilian Clash Marks the Start of the Copa Libertadores Semifinals
Former Real Madrid player Marcelo returns to 'Flu' for this crucial stage of the continental competition.
Fluminense, with the return of Marcelo and Colombian Jhon Arias, hosts Internacional in Rio de Janeiro for the Brazilian clash in the Copa Libertadores semifinal. Both teams easily advanced from the quarter-finals. "Flu" defeated Olimpia from Paraguay 2-0 in Rio de Janeiro and 1-3 in Asunción, while Internacional did the same against Bolívar from Bolivia with wins of 0-1 in La Paz and 2-0 in Porto Alegre.
Watch this Wednesday September 27th Fluminense vs. Internacional LIVE on beIN SPORTS at 8:30 PM ET 📺
For this Wednesday's match, the local coach, Fernando Diniz, who is also the national team coach, admitted that he has a "puzzle" on his hands as he can field creative midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso and playmaker Arias, who are returning after recovering from injuries. However, the substitutes who took their positions performed exceptionally well, especially the young forward John Kennedy.
Another player returning after serving his suspension is the experienced full-back Marcelo, formerly of Real Madrid, who will take the place of Diogo Barbosa. Meanwhile, Coudet will maintain his three central defenders system, which includes Colombian Nicolás Hernández and Argentine Gabriel Mercado.
The return leg, scheduled for October 4, will be played at the Beira-Rio stadium in Porto Alegre and will determine the opponent for the winner of the match between Brazilian team Palmeiras and Argentine side Boca Juniors.
The Libertadores final will take place in Rio de Janeiro, the home of Fluminense, on November 4.