Now it's up to him! Flamengo returns to betting on Gabigol after controversial period

Flamengo beat Juventude 2-0 this Sunday (14), in Caxias do Sul, and ended a 28-year taboo without triumphs at Alfredo Jaconi. More than the victory in the 23rd round of the Brasileirão, coach Filipe Luís highlighted the attitude of the squad , praising the willingness to train even after a long season.

Filipe Luís on Flamengo's victory over Juventude: "This is a group to make history"

PRAISE TO THE CAST

At a press conference, Filipe revealed he was impressed with the group's dedication during training during the FIFA World Cup break: " They're in a nine-month season, no one complains about fatigue, everyone wants to train, everyone competed to their fullest . When I see that, I think: this is a group to make history," the coach stated.

The manager emphasized that daily dedication is directly reflected in the results on the field: " We came to a very difficult field, against a team very well trained by Carpini . This victory is the result of the very high level of work throughout the week," he added.

HISTORIC VICTORY

In the duel, Arrascaeta opened the scoring with a header from a Saúl Ñíguez cross in the first half. In the second half, Emerson Royal secured the victory in the 41st minute, also from above . The victory was special for the squad, as the last time Flamengo had won at the Alfredo Jaconi stadium was in 1997.

LIBERTADORES AHEAD

After breaking the taboo in the Brasileirão, Flamengo turns its attention to the Copa Libertadores da América . On 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.

This Sunday (14), Flamengo beat Juventude 2-0 , at Alfredo Jaconi, with goals from Arrascaeta and Emerson Royal. After the match, coach Filipe Luís highlighted the performance of the right-back and stated that the Rubro-Negro's style of play resembles that of the Brazilian National Team under the command of Carlo Ancelotti.

Filipe Luís on his playing style enhancing Emerson Royal's potential in the national team: "The way Flamengo plays today is practically identical"

For the coach, this similarity could help Royal return to the squad: "I spoke with Emerson, and the way Flamengo plays today is practically identical to how the Brazilian national team played against Chile. This will greatly enhance his characteristics, boost his confidence, and put him back on the national team's radar ," explained Filipe.

FIFA DATE PAUSE HELPED IN EVOLUTION

During the period without games, Royal added more training minutes and absorbed tactical concepts developed by the coaching staff . The full-back was rewarded by scoring the goal that ended Flamengo's nearly 28-year winless streak against Juventude at the Alfredo Jaconi stadium.

DISPUTE ON THE RIGHT-BACK OF THE NATIONAL TEAM

Today, Royal competes with Wesley (Roma), Vanderson (Monaco) and Vitinho (Botafogo), as well as names like Yan Couto (Borussia Dortmund) and Dodô (Fiorentina) . None of them, however, have a guaranteed place in the 2026 World Cup. Currently, Royal is the active right-back with the most appearances for the Brazilian National Team (10), a factor that could weigh in his favor.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT CHALLENGE

The defender should continue as a starter next Thursday (18), when Flamengo faces Estudiantes-ARG, at Maracanã, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) , for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. The stadium will be packed to push the players in search of a great result before the return leg in Argentina.

Next Wednesday (17), Flamengo's deliberative council will have a decisive meeting . The meeting will feature the presentation of an economic feasibility study on the construction of the club's new stadium , planned for the port area of Rio de Janeiro. The survey was commissioned by Bap's administration and prepared by the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV).

In addition to the report, the board members will also discuss topics such as the organization's revenue generation capacity , financing costs, and potential strategic partnerships. The agenda also includes the possibility of seeking naming rights for the future arena.

WHERE WILL THE NEW STADIUM BE?

Flamengo 's stadium will be built in the Gasômetro district of São Cristóvão, covering an area of 86,000 square meters . The expected capacity is 77,923, close to that of Maracanã, which currently holds just over 78,000 fans.

WHAT WILL THE PROJECT COST?

During Rodolfo Landim's administration, the initial estimate for the stadium's construction was R$1.9 billion. However, after the first data from the new study, Bap has already announced that the estimate is much higher . The project could cost as much as R$3 billion.

AND MEANWHILE, THE TEAM CONTINUES ON THE FIELD

While the project advances behind the scenes, Flamengo continues to play its games at Maracanã. However, this Sunday (14), the team plays outside of Rio: it faces Juventude , at 4 pm (Brasília time), at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, in Caxias do Sul, for the 23rd round of the Brasileirão.