OPEN YOUR EYES MENGÃO! FLUMINENSE IS MISSING AND COULD TAKE A PLACE FOR THE FINAL IN FLAMENGO'S COLOR

Mengão will have to deal with the absence of Nicolás De La Cruz for another important game. The Uruguayan player did not participate in the classic against Vasco, last Sunday (15), and remains a doubt for this Thursday's match (19) against Peñarol, valid for the quarter-finals of the Copa Sudamericana. The midfielder's presence is not yet guaranteed, as coach Tite explained during a press conference.

SLOW RECOVERY AND UNCERTAINTY IN RETURN

During the press conference, Tite revealed that, after a recent training session, he asked Nicolás De La Cruz about the possibility of playing for at least 20 minutes in the match against Vasco, but the player, smiling, indicated that was not in condition. “The physical department was categorical in stating that he was not fit, even if he felt good", commented the coach. Tite also reinforced that he hopes to be able to count on the athlete on Thursday, but there is still no guarantee that this will be possible.

INJURY AND IMPORTANT ABSENCES

Nicolás De La Cruz has been sidelined since suffering a muscle injury to his right thigh in the game against Bahia, valid for the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil. Since then, the midfielder was absent from the team in the matches against Corinthians, in the second game of the same competition, and in the Rio derby. and expectations for his return increase as the calendar narrows.

In addition to De La Cruz, CRF has already confirmed the absence of four other players for the clash against Peñarol, which they face. problems in their right thigh, and Pedro, Matías Viña and Everton Cebolinha, who suffered more serious injuries, will only return to the pitch in 2025.

With these absences, coach Tite will have to adjust the team to maintain performance and continue in search of victories in the competitions that the club still competes in.

Mais Querido drew 1-1 with Vasco, in a classic played this Sunday (15), in the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship, at Maracanã. CRF had clear scoring opportunities, hitting the post on two occasions, but ended up conceding the draw in the final minutes. After the match, Alex Sandro, who debuted for Rubro-Negro, commented on the goal conceded and highlighted the need for better organization in decisive moments.

FAILURE IN THE FINAL MINUTES

Alex Sandro, one of Mengão's new reinforcements, lamented the team's relaxation at the end of the game, which culminated in Vasco's equalizer in the 42nd minute of the second half . “It was a pleasure to play in a packed Maracanã and play in a classic. However, we relax in the end, that is the truth. We should have kept possession more and been better organized. Football only ends when the referee blows the whistle. Let's learn from this and avoid the same mistakes in the next games", commented the full-back in the mixed area of ​​the stadium.

DOMINIUM AND LOST CHANCESEven with some important absences, Tite's team managed to dominate the actions throughout the match. Mengão finished 17 times and hit the post on two occasions. The red-black goal came in the 25th minute. second half, in a play on the right side that ended with Gerson finding the net. However, despite control in the attack, Mais Querido lost possession of the ball, which generated the counterattack that resulted in Philippe Coutinho's goal, after pass from Puma Rodríguez.

ALEX SANDRO'S PERFORMANCE

With the suspension of Ayrton Lucas, who served a suspension due to the accumulation of yellow cards, Tite selected Alex Sandro as a starter. The left-back had a solid performance in his first match for the CRF, adding positive numbers: 60 successful passes in 61 attempts, three opportunities created and four defensive actions, showing himself. an important piece for the remainder of the season.

Flamengo remains in the G4 of the Brasileirão with 45 points, but the team seeks to avoid further mistakes and correct the flaws presented in the classic, aiming for better results in the next rounds.< /p>

This Saturday, Flamengo and Vasco face each other in another Rio football classic for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship. The match, which takes place at Maracanã at 6:30 pm, promises to be decisive for both teams, who are going through different moments in the championship, but arrive at the clash with high expectations. The recent history of the two teams in the last five matches shows a very balanced performance, which adds even more tension to the match.

Flamengo enters the field with a relatively good performance in the last five games. The team has three wins and two defeats, which reflects a phase of instability, but with positive signs. In the last five clashes, the Red and Black team found the net five times, while their defense was leaked on four occasions.

THE MOST FAVORITE HAS HIS MOMENT IN THE SEASON

Even with two recent defeats, Flamengo continues with a consistent attack, capable of creating scoring opportunities, but the defense needs adjustments to prevent the team from conceding unnecessary goals. This alternation between victories and defeats is an indication that the team needs greater balance to achieve a consistency that allows it to fight for the top positions in the table.

Vasco arrives at the classic with a positive streak. The team has won three wins, one draw and suffered just one defeat in the last five games. There were nine goals scored and six conceded, demonstrating a considerable improvement in the offensive sector and, at the same time, the need for adjustments in defense.

With an attack that seems to have found its rhythm, Vasco needs, however, , reinforce its defensive solidity, especially in high-pressure games like the classic against Flamengo. The team has been showing progress, which is a positive sign for a team looking to move away from the relegation zone and ensure a solid recovery in the championship.