Arriving Late for the Ma'ariv Prayer

Shalom, Rabbi.
If I arrive late for the Ma'ariv prayer (before the Shemoneh Esreh),
is it preferable to begin the prayer immediately in order to pray with the congregation, and afterward make up the blessings and Shema,
or is it preferable to juxtapose the blessing of redemption to the Amidah?
Thank you very much

Shalom u’vrachah.

If he has the option of another minyan, he should wait, so that he can both juxtapose the blessing of redemption to the Amidah and pray with a minyan.

But if he does not have the option of another minyan, he should pray with the congregation; this is preferable to juxtaposing the blessing of redemption to the Amidah.

Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, siman 236, se’if 3
If he found a congregation that has already recited Shema and is about to stand for prayer, he should pray with them, and afterward recite Shema with its blessings.

Mishnah Berurah, siman 236, se’if katan 12
However, all of this applies specifically when he estimates that he will not be able to find a minyan afterward with whom to pray; otherwise, he should not forgo the mitzvah of juxtaposing the blessing of redemption to the prayer.

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