
Soccer
Flamengo sets the week's agenda with a focus on the Libertadores and the derby against Vasco
15 Set 2025 | 11:29
Soccer
10 Mai 2025 | 12:35 |
After a defeat to Cruzeiro and a draw against Central Córdoba, Filipe Luís' Flamengo takes to the field this Saturday (10), at Maracanã, with the obligation to give a quick response to the fans. To do so, the interim coach will have to make tough and, at times, unpopular decisions. This is what tactical analyst Victor Nicolau, from the Falso Nove channel, points out.
In the expert's view, the game against Bahia requires firm choices from Filipe Luís, even if they go against the preferences of the stands. The idea is to exploit the opponent's weaknesses, even if this implies drastic changes in the starting lineup. "Flamengo has the ability to attack Bahia's weak point, but that requires courage. You can't scale based on popularity. You'll have to make changes," Nicolau summarizes .
The proposal is based on the understanding that Bahia, under the command of Rogério Ceni, usually sets up its defensive line in 3-2-5 when it plays the ball out. This structure provides space on the sides and requires effective high marking — something that Flamengo has not yet achieved in recent games. For Nicolau, one solution involves changing the team's axis. Gerson, for example, would leave the role of presser in the first line and play further back, occupying the central corridor as a defensive midfielder.
The restructuring also includes the departure of Léo Pereira from the defense. “He is a player I like, but he needs to be preserved. The team needs mobility and intensity to press. That is why I would use Wesley and keep Léo Ortiz,” says the analyst. According to the analysis, Pedro and Arrascaeta together up front hinder the high marking. Therefore, the wingers gain even more importance in the restructuring.
Luiz Araújo 's role in the pressure would become essential, especially when pressing up the left side of the opposing defense. Wesley, despite the criticism, could fit better into this model because he has the ability to advance inside, which is not Varela's strong point. Michael, in turn, would once again gain important minutes. Much criticized by the fans in recent weeks, the forward would be a key player in accelerating the recovery and increasing the pressure on Bahia's exit. His speed and willingness to play vertically would be useful weapons.
The player has been standing out more and more with the Mengão Mantle and the narrator gets excited when commenting on his recent performances
15 Set 2025 | 12:39 |
Flamengo opened the scoring against Juventude this Sunday (14), at the Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, in Caxias do Sul, for the Brazilian Championship. Despite controlling possession, the team had not yet created clear chances until a play on the left changed the course of the first half.
Galvão Bueno on Saúl's assist in the Juventude vs Flamengo match: "He doesn't make a cross, he passes it to Arrascaeta's head"
Samuel Lino accelerated down the left wing and found space to cross into the box. Spaniard Saúl Ñíguez, with great technique, delivered a precise pass to Arrascaeta's head , who rose through the opposing defense and finished firmly: 1-0 to Flamengo .
During the Prime Video broadcast, the commentator was full of praise for the play and, especially, for the Spanish midfielder: "All it takes is one space for this Flamengo team to be unmarked, and this happens. And this guy, Saúl, knows how to play football! He doesn't just cross, he passes it to Arrascaeta, who times the ball perfectly and gets between the defenders to score," extolled Galvão Bueno.
After the 2-0 win, Filipe Luís stated in a press conference that Saúl's performance could be "the best of his career." The Spaniard, however, disagreed and reflected on his experience in Brazil.
"I don't think so. I've had some really good moments in terms of everything, but right now I feel really good mentally . I'm lucky to have my family with me, accompanying me on this adventure. I know it's not easy for them, because I go out to train, spend time with my teammates, and enjoy what I do, but for those who are by our side, it's different. It's not easy to leave our country or any place. They do it for us, and I'm very grateful for that," said the number 8.
After beating Juventude and ending a historic taboo, Rubro-Negro releases training schedule and decisive games at Maracanã for the Libertadores quarterfinals
15 Set 2025 | 12:30 |
After defeating Juventude in the Brazilian Championship , Flamengo will have a busy week with matches in the Copa Libertadores and Brasileirão. Flamengo faces Estudiantes in the quarterfinals of the CONMEBOL Libertadores . The first leg will be held at the Maracanã on September 18th at 9:30 pm (Brasília time).
This will be the ninth official meeting between the teams. In the previous eight, Mengão won three, drew four, and suffered only one defeat against the Argentines. The semifinals will be determined in the second leg in Argentina.
After the Libertadores, Flamengo returns to the Brasileirão and faces Vasco at Maracanã on September 21st at 5:30 pm, in the 24th round . This will be the fifth meeting between the rivals in 2025. In the Carioca, Flamengo won all three games, and in the first round of the national championship, the derby ended goalless.
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 team now focuses on crucial matches in the CONMEBOL Libertadores and Brazilian Championship.
Training will take place at CT George Helal on four dates : 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).
The striker had the best seasons of his career under the command of the national team coach, which could leave him in good condition for the World Cup
15 Set 2025 | 11:44 |
The final stretch of preparation for the World Cup is approaching. With the qualifiers over , the Brazilian national team will now focus solely on friendlies until the final squad is named . Some certainties are already beginning to take shape in Carlo Ancelotti's mind, as he has secured key players for the World Cup.
Ancelotti on Vini Jr's place at the World Cup: "If he's okay, yes"
In an interview with ESPN, the Italian coach didn't hesitate when talking about the Real Madrid duo: "A guaranteed spot? If he's healthy, yes ( Vini will go to the World Cup). He has to be at his best. (Rodrygo) too . If he's at his best, Rodrygo is a very good player. You can't talk to me about Rodrygo and Vini. I won Champions Leagues with them," Ancelotti stated.
Another name that stands out is Estêvão, formerly of Palmeiras and now at Chelsea. The coach highlighted the young man's personality and his quick adaptation to the Premier League: "I really like Estêvão, he has character, and he's started well. Not only for this World Cup, but he will be very important for the future of the national team, " he assessed.
Endrick, however, is experiencing a different scenario. Ancelotti knows the striker well from his Real Madrid days, but admits that the fierce competition has hindered his development: "Well, Endrick is like Estêvão. He's a great talent. I think Estêvão was lucky. The problem with young players who go to Europe is that they have a leading role here, but not much of a leading role there . I coached Endrick for a year and really liked him as a person, as a professional," he explained.
Until the final call-up, the team will play six friendlies. The first two will be played in October in Asia: