NOW GO! RIVER PLATE AGREES TO NEGOTIATE CRACK WITH FLAMENGO

Flamengo faces Atlético-MG this Sunday afternoon (10), at Arena MRV, for the second leg of the Copa do Brasil final. Thus, the red and black squad arrived in Belo Horizonte on Saturday night (9), and was received with great celebration by the fans.

Upon arriving at the hotel where they will be staying, the Flamengo players were welcomed by the red and black fans with traditional chants of: “let's go, Flamengo“, “let's be champions” and “the fight will begin party.”

ALL THE CAST PRESENT IN BELO HORIZONTE

Flamengo decided that the entire cast would go to Belo Horizonte. Thus, even Pedro, Everton Cebolinha, Matías Viña and Nico De La Cruz, who are recovering from injury, embarked for the city of Minas Gerais.

FLAMENGO WITH ADVANTAGE

Mais Querido beat Atlético-MG 3-1 in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil final. Thus, Rubro-Negro can suffer a simple defeat and, even so, take the fifth championship. However, if you lose by two goals, the decision will be decided on penalties.

FOCUS ON CONFRONTATION

In this Saturday (9), theFlamengo squad completed preparations for the return clash against Atlético-MG. After the activities at CT Ninho do Urubu, the squad traveled to Minas Gerais. On Sunday (10), Rubro-Negro takes the field to compete in the final of the Copa do Brasil, at Arena MRV, at 4pm.

Flamengo faces Atlético-MG with new tactical formations. The coach opted for a reinforced midfield, with Filipe Luís forming a midfielder duo alongside Evertton Araújo and Erick Pulgar, in a lineup that promises defensive solidity and flexibility in attack. The match is seen as crucial for the Rio team this season, and the choice of starters indicates a strategy of game control and advanced marking.

Filipe Luís, traditionally left-back, was positioned as a midfielder to givethe Flamengo an alternative in the construction of plays and defensive security. Alongside Evertton Araújo and Erick Pulgar, Filipe assumes a linking role between defense and attack, offering experience and game vision in a position that has demanded more from Rubro-Negro. This unprecedented formation aims not only to neutralize Atlético-MG's midfield, but also to give more consistency to the defensive sector, which faced difficulties in previous matches.

 A SKETCHED TEAM AND A STRUCTURED VOLUME

Beyond the news with Filipe Luís , the Flamengowill count on the return by Bruno Henrique, an important piece in the offensive sector. Bruno Henrique, who has stood out for his speed and presence in the area, returns to the attack alongside Gerson and Gabigol. Bruno's presence is fundamental for Flamengo, as he brings dynamism to the attack and is an additional option to receive balls thrown by the midfield, now formed by Evertton Araújo and Pulgar. The formation suggests that the coach seeks to make the most of the intensity and versatility of the athletes on the field.

The likely lineup to face the Atlético-MG is made up of Rossi in goal; Wesley, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro in the defense line; Evertton Araújo, Pulgar and Arrascaeta in midfield; and the offensive trio with Gerson, Bruno Henrique and Gabigol. This configuration suggests a strategy that seeks defensive compactness and a more direct attack, with the active participation of the full-backs and midfielders in the transition. Léo Ortiz and Léo Pereira form the defense duo, reinforced by the coverage of Alex Sandro and Wesley, who have the freedom to support the attack.

 FLAMENGO MORE OBJECTIVE 

With this formation, Flamengolooks to create a midfield solid, capable of combating Atlético-MG's strong creative sector. Pulgar, with his defensive skills, and Evertton Araújo, the club's young promise, are the pillars of this strategy, while Filipe Luís adds experience and control when passing the ball. The coach's intention is to maintain possession of the ball and control the pace of the match, minimizing the chances of an opponent's counterattack. The team is also prepared to put pressure on the opponent in the offensive field, aiming to quickly recover the ball in case of loss.

On the eve of the big decision of the Copa do Brasil, Flamengo's idol, Rondinelli, praised the performance of Léo Ortiz, defender of Rubro-Negro , highlighting its moment of high performance. Ortiz, who arrived at the club with the responsibility of reinforcing the defensive system, has been consolidating himself as a fundamental piece in the coach's scheme, especially after his decisive performance alongside Léo Pereira in the first game of the final against Atlético-MG. Rondinelli, who knows well what it means to lead a defense in decisive moments, spared no words when praising Ortiz's presence in Flamengo's defense.

In interview, Rondinelli b> made a point of highlighting Léo Ortiz's trajectory, remembering his positive history since the time he played for Red Bull Bragantino. The defensive security demonstrated by the player throughout the season and, especially, during the Copa do Brasil, is reflected in the coverage work and precise interceptions, aspects that Rondinelli considers essential to keep the team balanced and competitive. According to the former defender, Ortiz stands out not only for his technical quality, but also for his tactical intelligence and his ability to guide the defense.

 A CONSIDERATION WITHOUT LIMITS 

Léo's performance Ortiz at Maracanã, in the first match of the final, was one of the highlights of Flamengo's campaign in the competition, according to Rondinelli. Alongside Léo Pereira, he demonstrated control and solidity, characteristics that contributed to neutralizing the attacks of Atlético-MG's attack. Rondinelli commented on Ortiz's vitality and bravery, highlighting that the defender fulfilled his role impeccably, with firm marking and strategic coverage. For him, this defensive partnership is a differentiator for Flamengo in moments of high pressure.

For Rondinelli, although Léo Ortiz has the versatility to play in different positions, he shines more so when he is at the back, where he can play his role as defensive leader. According to the former star, Ortiz feels more comfortable and secure in the position, which allows him to better coordinate the defense's movements and guide his teammates. Rondinelli believes that this commanding presence in defense strengthens the team and contributes to collective success, especially in decisive clashes such as the Copa do Brasil final.

A DIRECT CONFRONTATION

Security and Léo Ortiz's consistency has been key points in the red and black defense, especially in a fierce competition like the Copa do Brasil. Rondinelli highlighted that Ortiz's style of play, marked by coolness and precise positioning, has been fundamental for Flamengo to maintain its solid defensive line. The defender's ability to anticipate plays and cover spaces is seen as a strategic advantage, especially against high-quality opponents, such as Atlético-MG, who are seeking the title with full force.