Soccer

Arena MRV has a drainage problem on the pitch before the duel between Flamengo and Atlético-MG

Estádio do Galo had its pitch changed for the final against Mengão, but rain filled the field with water and the drainage equipment did not work

Arena MRV has a drainage problem - Photo: Malu Rabelo/GE
Arena MRV has a drainage problem - Photo: Malu Rabelo/GE

09 Nov 2024 | 15:05 |

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Before the awaited Brazilian Cup final between Flamengo and Atlético-MG< /b>, scheduled for this Sunday (10), the Arena MRV, in Belo Horizonte, presented several puddles of water on the lawn, which recently underwent renovation. In recent weeks, the field had part of the soil changed precisely to resolve drainage problems.


At the end of October, Atlético-MG faced Internacionalin the same stadium, but the match had to be interrupted due to the conditions of the field, which could not withstand the rain. After the incident, Galo replaced the clay base of the lawn with a sand base, seeking to improve drainage.


“The grass was removed from a farm in the state of Rio de Janeiro, in roll format, and transported in refrigerated trucks to the Rooster House. Around 5,500 square meters of the field were replaced through the process known as ‘ready to play’”, informed the team from Minas Gerais.


However, recent images from the “GE” portal show that puddles continue to form on the lawn . Furthermore, the forecast is for temporary rainin the hours leading up to the clash, according to ClimaTempo.

Flamengo Can Make History at Arena MRV


Atlético-MG and Flamengo face off at 4pm to decide the title of the Copa do Brasil. Flamengo arrives with an advantage after winning the first game 3-1, and could lose by up to one goal to guarantee their fifth championship. This final marks the first time that a team will lift a trophy at Arena MRV, and Flamengo has the opportunity to be the first champion at the new stadium.

In July, Flamengo and Atlético-MG have already faced each other at Arena MRV, with Rubro-Negro winning by 4 to 2, with two goals from Bruno Henrique, one by Carlinhos and another by Ayrton Lucas.



Soccer

Training session defines Flamengo's starting lineup against Estudiantes in the Copa Libertadores

Mengão will have a decisive duel in the quarterfinals of the competition against the club from La Plata and Filipe Luís will have an activity to choose the starting 11

Training defines Flamengo's starting lineup for the clash against Estudiantes in the Libertadores quarterfinals - Photo: Adriano Fontes/Flamengo
Training defines Flamengo's starting lineup for the clash against Estudiantes in the Libertadores quarterfinals - Photo: Adriano Fontes/Flamengo

17 Set 2025 | 08:06 |

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Flamengo returns to the field this Thursday (18), when they face Estudiantes (ARG), at Maracanã, for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. Preparations for the match will be completed this Wednesday (17), with the last training session led by Filipe Luís , at Ninho do Urubu.


During the training session, scheduled for 3:30 pm (Brasília time), the red-and-black coach is expected to define the starting lineup. The most likely lineup includes: Rossi; Royal, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Ayrton Lucas; De La Cruz (Allan), Saúl, and Arrascaeta; Plata, Pedro (Bruno Henrique), and Samuel Lino . However, confirmation will only come after the afternoon training session.


Despite the team's tendency, Filipe Luís can make changes based on the squad's movement at the training center. The coach has a habit of not repeating lineups and prepares the team based on what he studies about the opponents.


TRANSMISSION

The duel between Flamengo and Estudiantes will not be shown on free-to-air TV and will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN (pay TV) and Disney+ (streaming) , but fans will be kept up to date with all the details of the match on Gazeta do Urubu.


RETURN GAME

The return match takes place next Thursday (25), at the Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium, in La Plata, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time). The victory at Maracanã is considered crucial for Flamengo to arrive in Argentina with an advantage in the fight for a place in the Libertadores semifinals.



Soccer

Rossi preaches focus on Flamengo despite dreaming of playing for the Argentine national team

The goalkeeper doesn't deny that reaching the current world champion is a goal, but says it's necessary to keep his head in his work at Mengão

Rossi doesn't deny his dream of wearing the Argentine national team shirt, but he urges focus on Flamengo - Photo: Adriano Fontes/Flamengo
Rossi doesn't deny his dream of wearing the Argentine national team shirt, but he urges focus on Flamengo - Photo: Adriano Fontes/Flamengo

16 Set 2025 | 22:00 |

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In a press conference at Ninho do Urubu, goalkeeper Agustín Rossi spoke about his desire to be called up to the Argentina national team , the current world champion. Despite his dream, the goalkeeper made it clear that his priority remains Flamengo.


Rossi on his dream of joining the Argentine national team: "My job is for Flamengo"


"Obviously, I've always wanted to be called up. I think Brazilian football is very strong, not only in South America, but worldwide as well. In the last call-up, there were players from here. But I'm not thinking about that right now . I think that if I do my job well, that call-up could come," Rossi stated.


TOTAL FOCUS ON FLAMENGO

The Argentine stressed that he keeps his feet on the ground and that his main goal is to continue showing consistency for the Rubro-Negro , who have the best defense in the Brasileirão, conceding only 10 goals in 22 games. At Maracanã, the Mais Querido conceded only three goals.


"I'm in no rush, because my job is for Flamengo , day to day, game to game. My biggest focus is to maintain this streak so that the call-up can come. Of course I have that desire, but I don't treat it as a requirement . I'm Flamengo's goalkeeper, I'm responsible for Flamengo. If the call-up comes, I'll welcome it," he added.

INCOME AND TITLES WITH THE MANTLE

Since joining Flamengo in 2023, Rossi has already won four titles. Last season, he was a key player in the undefeated Carioca Championship and also played in the Copa do Brasil victory. In 2025, he maintained his starting spot in the Supercopa do Brasil and the Campeonato Estadual . In total, he has represented Flamengo in 125 official matches, establishing himself as a pillar of the team.


Soccer

Former Flamengo player is reprimanded for comparing Arrascaeta and Neymar: “try hard…”

Mengão midfielder is one of the highlights of the Brazilian Championship, but commentator says he wouldn't have the same success at Santos as the star

Zinho makes a comparison between Flamengo's Arrascaeta and Neymar when citing Santos' difficulties - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo
Zinho makes a comparison between Flamengo's Arrascaeta and Neymar when citing Santos' difficulties - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo

16 Set 2025 | 21:00 |

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Back in Brazilian football, Neymar still divides opinions about his future at Santos . During a debate on ESPN Brasil, former player Zinho compared the Santos number 10 to Flamengo's Arrascaeta , which sparked disagreement from Zé Elias. The former Mengão player stated that the Uruguayan wouldn't be able to perform at the São Paulo club.


Zé Elias praises Flamengo's Arrascaeta in comparison to Neymar: "He works hard, he's a leader"


Zé Elias then responded, highlighting the difference in attitude between the two athletes: "But he won't be in the same position as Neymar, Zinho! He'll be much more involved in the game, he'll be a role model ... Neymar doesn't help. Neymar loses the ball and just watches. Arrascaeta doesn't do that. He works hard, he's a leader," he stated.


ARRASCAETA SHINES IN THE 2025 SEASON

While Neymar is still looking for consistency, Arrascaeta continues to be one of Flamengo 's biggest stars in 2025. In addition to assists and creative plays, the Uruguayan has also taken on a leading role as a goalscorer.


Currently, the number 10 is Flamengo 's top scorer in the Brasileirão, with 13 goals. Last Sunday (14), he even scored one of the goals in the 2-0 victory over Juventude , in Caxias do Sul, which ended a 28-year drought.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT COMMITMENT

With Arrascaeta available, Flamengo returns to the field this Thursday (18), for the first leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals, against Estudiantes (ARG). The match will be at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã , with broadcast by ESPN (closed TV) and Disney+ (streaming).


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