THE NATION IS DIFFERENT! MESSI LEVERAGES INTER MIAMI'S SOCIAL NETWORKS, WHICH DOESN'T EXCEED FLAMENGO

Flamengo has released its professional football schedule for the week of September 15-21. After beating Juventude and ending a 28-year away drought, the club now focuses on crucial matches in the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Championship.

Training takes place at CT George Helal: Tuesday (16/09) at 9:30 am, Wednesday (17/09) at 3:30 pm, Friday (19/09) at 3:30 pm and Saturday (20/09) at 9:30 am . There are no activities scheduled for Monday (15/09).

LIBERTADORES QUARTER-FINALS

Rubro-Negro faces Estudiantes in the quarterfinals of the Conmebol Libertadores . The first leg will be played at the Maracanã on September 18th at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) , broadcast on ESPN and Disney+.

This will be the ninth official matchup between the teams. In the eight previous meetings, Flamengo won three, drew four, and lost only one to the Argentines . The return leg will be in Argentina, deciding who advances to the semifinals.

CLASSIC AGAINST VASCO

After the international match, Flamengo turns its attention to the Brazilian Championship. The team faces Vasco on September 21st, at 5:30 pm, also at Maracanã . This will be the fifth meeting between the teams in 2025. In the Campeonato Carioca, Flamengo won three times: 2-0 in the first round, 1-0, and 2-1 in the semifinals. In the first round of the Brasileirão, the derby ended in a goalless draw.

Flamengo beat Juventude 2-0 this Sunday (14), in the 23rd round of the Brasileirão. In addition to the goals from Arrascaeta and Emerson Royal, the match marked a special moment for Jorge Carrascal, who gave his first assist with the red-black shirt . After the game, coach Filipe Luís highlighted the Colombian's talent and lamented the direct competition with one of the main players in the squad.

Filipe Luís on Carrascal's competition with Arrascaeta at Flamengo: "Very difficult for the player"

COMPETITION WITH ARRASCAETA

In a press conference, Filipe praised the new signing's qualities, but acknowledged the difficulty of the position he holds: "Regarding Carrascal , it's practically the same situation. A player who competes for position with Arrascaeta, who is currently in his best form . It's very difficult for a new player to compete with one of the best players in Brazil right now, if not the best," the coach began.

"We know he can play in other positions too. We're giving him all the care he can get so he can adapt as quickly as possible , because he's a very talented player," concluded Filipe Luís during a press conference.

FIRST ASSISTANCE

Carrascal started on the bench and came on in the 83rd minute of the second half. Shortly after, he made his mark: from the left wing, he crossed perfectly for Emerson Royal , who headed in to seal the scoring. It was the Colombian's first direct goal contribution for Flamengo .

WHAT WAS THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE LIKE?

With the victory in Caxias do Sul, Flamengo reached 50 points and remains the sole leader of the Brazilian Championship, with four points more than Palmeiras , in second place, but with one game more than the São Paulo club in the competition.

EYE ON THE LIBERTADORES

With the midfielder available, Flamengo now focuses on the Copa Libertadores da América. Next Thursday (18), Rubro-Negro faces Estudiantes de La Plata (ARG) at Maracanã, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), for the first leg of the quarterfinals.

Midfielder Gerson is going through a slump at Zenit. He hasn't started in almost a month and hasn't played since August 23rd . Signed for €25 million from Flamengo in July, the midfielder has played six games for the Russian club, without scoring or providing assists, four of which as a starter and two coming off the bench.

According to information gathered by journalist Jorge Nicola's blog, the athlete's departure from Russia may only be a matter of time , but a return to Mais Querido is currently completely ruled out.

WORN OUT RELATIONSHIP

Gerson's relationship with Flamengo deteriorated after the transfer to Zenit. At the time, the midfielder demanded a salary exceeding R$2 million to renew his contract. The football department, led by José Boto, offered R$1.5 million , but the impasse was only resolved when the release clause was reduced to €25 million, an amount Zenit agreed to pay.

Furthermore, the player's father, who acts as his agent, is now frowned upon by Flamengo 's current management. The rift between the boards of Flamengo and Zenit reinforces the possibility of a possible return .

JORGINHO AND SAÚL REDUCE POSSIBILITIES

The spot that once belonged to Gerson is now occupied by reinforcements who have quickly won over the fans. Jorginho and Saúl, signed in the July transfer window, have been receiving praise from the coaching staff and fans for their performances in midfield, minimizing any nostalgia for the Brazilian's absence.