Key events
Inter make two changes to their starting XI after their 2-0 win over River Plate. Stefan de Vrij and Marcus Thuram come in for Francesco Acerbi and Francesco Pio Esposito.
Flu make two changes as well, after their goalless draw with Mamelodi Sundowns. Thiago Silva and Facundo Bernal take the places of Hércules and Agustín Canobbio.
Preamble
Neither of these teams have wowed ‘em yet. In the groups, Inter drew with Monterrey then left it late against both Urawa Red Diamonds and River Plate, while Fluminense’s admittedly entertaining come-from-behind 4-2 victory over Ulsan HD was sandwiched by two goalless draws against Borussia Dortmund and Mamelodi Sundowns. But both know their way around knock-out football: Big Flu won the Copa Libertadores in 2023 while Inter reached the final of Big Cup in 2023 and 2025. So this could still be fun … providing the North Carolina weather doesn’t do a number on us again. Kick-off is at 8pm UK time, 3pm local, lightning permitting. It’s on! Hopefully!