Now! Uruguay cuts Arrascaeta and De La Cruz; Flamengo is worried

The situation of 19-year-old prospect Matheus Gonçalves has taken on new dimensions in recent months. Despite praise from coach Filipe Luís, the attacking midfielder has appeared only 14 times this season , scoring two goals in 313 minutes played. Competition from players like Samuel Lino, Luiz Araújo, and Plata has made it difficult for him to establish himself in the first team, increasing the player's frustration.

The desire for a change almost came true when Gonçalves was close to signing with Cruzeiro for €3.5 million. However, the board backed down and kept the youngster on the roster. Even so, teams abroad continue to monitor the situation: CSKA Moscow, from Russia, and Olympiacos, from Greece , are monitoring the player and could formalize offers by the beginning of September, the transfer window deadline.

YOUNG PROMISE HAS NO SPACE

A product of the youth academy, Matheus made his senior debut in 2022 at the age of 17. The following year, he was loaned to Bragantino, where he made 13 appearances. In 2024, back at Mengão, he scored four goals in 36 appearances.

This year, his lack of minutes with the first team led to him also being used in the U-20 squad, where he scored two goals in a derby against Botafogo. Now, the attacking midfielder continues training and preparing for the U-20 World Cup , while also defining his immediate future. This information comes from the Mix Vale website.

BOARD SEEKS REINFORCEMENTS

Even amidst their lead in the Brasileirão and a lead in the Copa Libertadores round of 16, Flamengo's board faces challenges. In addition to Gonçalves' situation, the club is evaluating signings for the remainder of the season, with Gabriel Brazão and Lucas Beltrán as priorities.

In the opening of the second half of the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo showed superiority and defeated Internacional 3-1 this Sunday (17), at Beira-Rio. Pedro, twice, and Plata guaranteed the goals that consolidated the team's isolated leadership in the competition . In addition to the result, the match was also special for De La Cruz , who returned to action after a period of absence.

After the final whistle, the Uruguayan spoke about the recent controversy involving doctor José Luiz Runco , stating that he was confident in his physical condition and reinforcing that he was fit for the rest of the season.

De La Cruz vents: "Nobody knows my body"

" Nobody knows my body better than me. Today I felt good . I'll keep working to keep playing. Then, the coach will put the players on the field. I'll try to be available for the upcoming games; I'm working on that. There's more on Wednesday," he said.

HALF REVEALS FAMILY SUPPORT

The midfielder then emphasized his focus on work and downplayed outside comments . He also revealed his family's support during the turbulent period behind the scenes at the club, with the former doctor being fired shortly thereafter.

"I stayed with my family. I think a lot has been said, a lot has happened . Now I'm not going to talk; I'm focusing on what I have to do. Regardless of what people say, I know what I have to do. I'm focused and I have to work hard to play. I'm calm. I came back feeling great today, and I'm very happy about that," he concluded.

FLAMENGO FACE INTER AGAIN

After their Brasileirão victory, Flamengo turns their attention to the Libertadores. The Rio de Janeiro team faces Internacional again this Wednesday (20), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Beira-Rio. Having won the first leg 1-0 at Maracanã, Filipe Luís's team has the advantage of a draw to secure a place in the quarterfinals of the continental competition.

Technical reference of the squad, Arrascaeta registered an expressive mark this Sunday (17). The Uruguayan midfielder reached his 100th assist with the red-black shirt by participating directly in the 3-1 victory over Internacional, in Porto Alegre.

During the match, valid for the 20th round of the Brazilian Championship , the number 10 was decisive by distributing two passes that resulted in goals by Pedro and Plata, consolidating the dominance of the Rio de Janeiro team in the opening of the second half.

In addition to the 100 assists accumulated since his arrival, Arrascaeta has 14 goals and 11 assists in 2025. In the Brazilian Championship, he is the team's top scorer with 10 goals, confirming his prominence in different competitions.

FLAMENGO DEFEATS INTERNACIONAL

With the victory at Beira-Rio, the team remained undisputed at the top of the Brasileirão. Pedro, who scored twice, and Plata, who also made his mark, completed the scoring for the visiting team. The match also marked the return of Arrascaeta, who was absent from the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16 against the same opponent.

FLAMENGO WILL HAVE A NEW CHALLENGE

After winning 1-0 at Maracanã in the first leg, Flamengo will face Internacional again next Wednesday (20), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) , in the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. The team enters the field with the advantage of a draw to secure a place in the quarterfinals of the continental tournament.