Ancelotti calls up Brazil squad with four former Flamengo players for friendlies in Asia

Facing Flamengo away from home has been a tough challenge for Cruzeiro in the Brasileirão . The last time the Minas Gerais team beat Flamengo in Rio de Janeiro in the national competition was in November 2010, almost 15 years ago.

Since then, the teams have faced each other 11 times at Maracanã (or in matches hosted by Flamengo ) in the tournament, and the record is largely favorable to the Mais Querido: eight wins and three draws. During this period, historic defeats stand out, such as the 5-1 victory in 2011 , as well as important triumphs for the red-and-blacks' campaigns. The most recent was a 2-1 victory in June 2024.

FLAMENGO X CRUZEIRO RETROSPECT IN THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

• 06/30/2024 – Flamengo 2x1 Cruzeiro
• 05/27/2023 – Flamengo 1x1 Cruzeiro
• April 27, 2019 – Flamengo 3-1 Cruzeiro
• 12/08/2018 – Flamengo 1x0 Cruzeiro
• 08/11/2017 – Flamengo 2x0 Cruzeiro
• September 25, 2016 – Flamengo 2x1 Cruzeiro
• 10/09/2015 – Flamengo 2x0 Cruzeiro
• 10/12/2014 – Flamengo 3x0 Cruzeiro
• 12/07/2013 – Flamengo 1x1 Cruzeiro
• 10/13/2012 – Flamengo 1x1 Cruzeiro
• 06/11/2011 – Flamengo 5x1 Cruzeiro
• 11/28/2010 – Flamengo 1x2 Cruzeiro

DECISION AT MARACANÃ

This Thursday (02), Flamengo and Cruzeiro face each other again in a direct confrontation for the Brazilian title . Rubro-Negro leads the table with 54 points, while the Minas Gerais team, with one more game, appears right behind, with 50. The ball rolls at Maracanã at 8:30 pm (Brasília time).

Flamengo's promising young striker Wallace Yan is on the radar of two Premier League clubs: Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers . According to Sport Witness, both have expressed interest in signing the player, but Wolverhampton Wanderers has not yet confirmed whether they will negotiate for the player in the next transfer window. Flamengo's board has set a fee of €25 million (R$155.7 million) to release the player.

Among the interested parties, Crystal Palace appears to have priority over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the attempt to sign him . However, there is no confirmation that Flamengo will part with the player in January, despite the limited opportunities Wallace Yan has received in Filipe Luís's team.

TERMINATION FINE

Wallace Yan recently renewed his contract with Flamengo, receiving a salary increase and an increased release clause. The clause is €60 million, approximately R$375 million , according to GE, making negotiations more complex even with European interest.

The player rose to international prominence during the Club World Cup , scoring two goals in the 3-1 victory over Chelsea. Since then, he has lost his place in the first team, but remains highly valued in the transfer market.

NEXT CHALLENGE

While its future is monitored, Flamengo focuses on the dispute for the Brasileirão. The next match will be against Cruzeiro, this Thursday (2), at 8:30 pm, at Maracanã, valid for the 25th round of Serie A. The match brings together the top two teams, with Flamengo leading with 54 points, making the duel decisive in the search for the national title.

On Wednesday morning (01), Flamengo published an official statement highlighting that, in games at Maracanã as home team, all fans, whether red-black or from other teams, have guaranteed access and free movement in the mixed sectors of the stadium . According to the club, the measure reinforces the commitment to welcome rivals and offer a safe environment.

The protest comes amid a tense atmosphere with other teams. Recently, hostile episodes marked classics between Fluminense and Botafogo, when fans were removed from boxes for wearing opposing jerseys . Flamengo , on the other hand, seeks to distance itself from these practices and promotes a friendly atmosphere at Maracanã.

HOSTILE CLIMATE BEHIND THE SCENES

Off the field, the club is facing difficult times. The impasse with Libra and disagreements within Brazilian football groups have made Flamengo the target of public criticism from rivals. This situation has generated fears among fans regarding safety at away games.

Last Sunday (29), against Corinthians, there were clashes at the Neo Química Arena. Around 15 Corinthians fans invaded the visiting section and threw stones at Flamengo fans. The Metropolitan Civil Guard acted with rubber bullets and tear gas , and the Military Police Riot Squad was called in to contain the confusion. In addition, banners threatening the team bus were displayed on the streets leading to the stadium.

NEXT APPOINTMENT

Flamengo will have a new opportunity to prove the safety of its fans when it faces Cruzeiro this Thursday (02), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã , for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship. The match will be broadcast by SporTV (closed TV) and Premiere (pay-per-view).