LIVE WITH IMAGES: FOLLOW THE LIBERTADORES U-20 GRAND FINAL BETWEEN FLAMENGO X BOCA JUNIORS

Flamengo returns to the field away from home next Sunday (5), at 6:30 pm, to face Bahia at Arena Fonte Nova, for the 27th round of the Brazilian Championship . The clash promises a full house: so far, more than 45 thousand tickets have already been sold , confirming the expectation of a large audience in Salvador.

Ticket sales began on a staggered basis last Sunday (28), with priority check-in for members of the Tô na Fonte category. Even after the general opening, members can still guarantee a place in the stadium . Prices range from R$33 to R$280, with half-price tickets available and free admission for children up to 11 years old.

TICKET PRICES

• North Upper Seat – R$76 (half R$38)
• Superior East Chair – R$80 (half R$40)
• North Chair – R$ 90 (half R$ 45)
• East Chair – R$ 100 (half R$ 50)
• Special Lower Chair – R$ 130 (half R$ 65)
• Superior Special Chair – R$ 140 (half R$ 70)
• Premium Lounge – R$280
• Children's Lounge – R$ 170

DUEL IS WORTH IMPORTANT POINTS

On the field, the match carries strategic weight for both teams. Bahia, defeated by Botafogo in the last round, is looking to close in on the top four and continues to monitor the results of direct competitors like Botafogo and Mirassol. On the other side, Flamengo is looking to extend its lead at the top of Série A and maintain its strong run of results this season.

LARGEST AUDIENCES

• Bahia 5×0 Confiança – Northeast Cup: 48,637 fans
• Bahia 0×0 Vitória – Bahia Championship: 47,895 fans
• Bahia 2×1 Vitória – Brazilian Championship: 47,796 fans

Argentine goalkeeper Agustín Rossi , who has played for Flamengo since 2023, is in the process of obtaining Brazilian citizenship, raising the possibility of playing for the Brazilian national team in the future. The situation raises questions about the player's eligibility and FIFA's rules for changing nationality.

If Rossi obtains naturalization, he would be eligible to represent Brazil under current sports legislation. The player has not yet played any official matches for the Argentine national team, which would prevent him from making the switch.

FIFA RULES ON CHANGE

In 2020, FIFA relaxed its rules for changing nationality, allowing athletes to play for national teams other than their home country, provided they meet certain criteria. A player can represent another country if, before the age of 21, he or she has played in a maximum of three official matches for the senior national team and has not competed in a World Cup.

ROSSI'S PARTICIPATION FOR ARGENTINA

Rossi was named in Argentina's official match against Bolivia in a 2022 World Cup qualifier in September 2021, but did not take the field. According to FIFA's governance and eligibility rules:

• Participation requires the player to be on the field, even if for just a few seconds;
• A player on the bench without entering the field does not count as participation;
• A call without a list of related parties also does not constitute participation.

In the goalless draw between Flamengo and Cruzeiro , last Thursday (02), striker Gabigol experienced a special reunion with the red-black fans at Maracanã . Even with few minutes on the field, the former Fla player relived memorable moments of his time at the club.

CONTINUING ENGAGEMENT

Before the ball rolled, Gabigol greeted players and members of the Rio de Janeiro team. Among the photos, a hug with Filipe Luís, Flamengo 's current coach and former locker roommate, stood out. The number 9 also posed smiling alongside Arrascaeta and hugged old friends like Rodrigo Caio and Léo Pereira.

During the game, when visiting his former teammates on the bench, the striker even reproduced the famous “ fusion ” celebration, which marked the successful partnership with Bruno Henrique in Flamengo's golden days.

Gabigol only entered the field in the 42nd minute of the second half, right after William was sent off for Cruzeiro. After the final whistle, he made a point of praising the result on social media: " +1 point, thank you blue nation for the support! Now we'll see you at home ."

FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME

After the draw with Cruzeiro, with Gabigo, Flamengo does not have much time to rest . On Sunday (05), the team faces Bahia, at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), at Arena Fonte Nova, in Salvador. The match will be broadcast exclusively by Premiere.