
Soccer
José Boto reveals behind the scenes of Gerson's departure from Flamengo: “sensation…”
16 Set 2025 | 09:22
Soccer
28 Out 2024 | 23:14 |
Flamengo is going through a phase of adjustments in the defensive sector, especially on the left flank. Ayrton Lucas, who has stood out recently, took on an important role in Jorge Sampaoli's team. The full-back started three of the five games that Filipe Luís played for the team, showing his relevance in the coach's tactical scheme. The competition for the position has been fierce, but Ayrton Lucas has taken advantage of the opportunities to secure his space.
With Filipe Luís away due to issues physical and facing a natural aging process, Ayrton Lucas appears as the immediate solution for the left-back. The player has shown good performance both offensively and defensively, characteristics that are fundamental to Flamengo's style of play. His ability to advance the attack, without compromising the defensive recovery, pleases the coaching staff and keeps the team balanced.
FLAMENGO HAS PROBLEMS ON THE SIDE
In addition to the situation involving Filipe Luís, another important player in the squad is also out of action . Alex Sandro, left-back for the Brazilian national team, is in the recovery process after suffering muscle discomfort in his thigh. This absence opens up even more space for Ayrton Lucas, who should be the starter in the next match against Internacional, in the Brazilian Championship. With the uncertainty surrounding Alex Sandro's return, the expectation is that Ayrton will continue as the first option.
Ayrton Lucas has been consolidating himself like a reliable player at a crucial moment of the season. Flamengo competes simultaneously in national and international competitions, and the need to have a strong and prepared squad is evident. The player has demonstrated that he is up to the demands and plays a fundamental role in Sampaoli's offensive scheme, which prioritizes speed and the intense participation of the full-backs in the attack.
ONE DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER
Flamengo's next challenge will be against International, in a match valid for Brazilian Championship. Without Filipe Luís and with Alex Sandro still in the recovery phase, Ayrton Lucas establishes himself as the natural choice for left back. His performance will be fundamental to ensuring the team's defensive solidity and, at the same time, offering support to the attack. The confrontation promises to be fierce, and the expectation is that Ayrton will maintain the level of his previous performances.
With the season progressing and the pressure for increasing results, Flamengo needs athletes who are 100% physically and prepared for the challenges. Ayrton Lucas has shown himself to be a key player in this scenario, taking advantage of competitors' absences to establish himself in the starting team. The game against Internacional will be another opportunity for the full-back to consolidate his space and show that he can be the definitive solution for the position.
Striker hits spectacular shot to secure three points for Raposa and Mengão's lead in the table remains at just three points
16 Set 2025 | 10:53 |
With a great goal at the end, Gabigol secured Cruzeiro's 2-1 victory over Bahia, on Monday night (15), at Arena Fonte Nova . The result kept the Minas Gerais team firm in the fight for the leadership of the Brasileirão , currently occupied by Flamengo.
The first half was evenly balanced, with few clear-cut chances for either side. After the break, Bahia surged forward and opened the scoring in the 20th minute. In a swift counterattack, former Flamengo player Jean Lucas received the ball at the edge of the box and shot into the bottom right corner of Cássio's net , putting the home side ahead.
Trailing, Cruzeiro made changes that changed the course of the game. The introduction of Sinisterra and Gabigol gave the team a boost. In the 31st minute, Matheus Pereira made a great individual play, dribbling past two defenders, and hitting the post . Sinisterra capitalized on the rebound to equalize.
The equalizer lifted the spirits of the Minas Gerais team, who went in search of a comeback. In the 40th minute, Gabigol received the ball in space in midfield and unleashed a left-footed volley . The ball went straight into the top corner, a stunning goal that sealed Cruzeiro's victory. In celebration, the forward removed his shirt and was subsequently booked.
With the win, Cruzeiro reached 47 points in 23 games, moving into second place. Flamengo remains the undisputed leader with 50 points and a game in hand . Palmeiras is also in contention, with 46 points and two games in hand.
The coach was approached by the Turkish club, but chose to stay at Mengão and the commentator says the choice was the right one
16 Set 2025 | 10:49 |
Coach Filipe Luís was in Fenerbahçe's (TUR) sights , but chose to remain at Flamengo. Former Flamengo captain Fábio Luciano, now a commentator, the choice was a wise one and further strengthens the coach's position at the club.
Fábio Luciano on Filipe Luís's decision to reject Fenerbahçe and stay at Flamengo: "I'm sure he's right"
Fábio Luciano highlighted Fenerbahçe's stature, but reinforced that Filipe Luís acted correctly in prioritizing Flamengo : "I'm sure he's right. All my respect to Fenerbahçe, a giant club in Turkey, which has signed great players, like goalkeeper Ederson. But Filipe is working very hard in his career. Besides his love for Flamengo , he knows he has great possibilities to continue making his mark on the history of a gigantic club," the former defender stated.
According to Fábio Luciano, the decision also reflects Flamengo's realistic chances of winning this season: " Flamengo is heading in that direction, based on their style of play, the squad they've assembled, and their ability . We're certain that Filipe has a long career ahead of him and that he's very thoughtful about his next steps. It's a great decision for Flamengo fans and for those who follow his work, because it adds a lot."
Finally, the former captain emphasized the importance of Filipe Luís's work in the team's development. "We talk about the quality of the squad, but everything is very interconnected. He has a big influence on Flamengo's style of play: high pressure, connection between players, collective confidence. He's systematic, knowledgeable about football, and fully adapted to the club . There's a lot of respect from the fans and the board for his work. And he knows the objectives he still has to achieve."
Now, the focus turns to the Libertadores. Flamengo faces Estudiantes this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã . The return game, in La Plata, is already scheduled for September 25. The match will be broadcast on ESPN (pay TV) and Disney+ (streaming) throughout Brazil.
The Spanish midfielder, who was about to sign with Trabzonspor, signed with Mengão after quick negotiations led by the director of the Rio de Janeiro club.
16 Set 2025 | 10:37 |
Saúl Ñíguez, one of Flamengo's key signings in the last transfer window, was very close to playing in Turkey before signing with the Rio de Janeiro club. Technical director José Boto revealed that the Spaniard had already reached an agreement with Trabzonspor , but the negotiations changed course overnight.
According to Boto, the opportunity arose shortly after Erick Pulgar's injury and Gerson 's departure. " Saúl emerged as a player capable of playing both roles; he was free on the market, but with a move to Trabzonspor almost certain ," he said.
He stated that the deal with the midfielder took place the night after the game against São Paulo. " That morning we managed to bring him to Brazil and not to where he was going, " he added in an interview with the UOL Esporte portal.
The change of direction proved positive for both Flamengo and the athlete. In a short time in Rio de Janeiro, Saúl won over the Flamengo fans and assumed a starting spot in midfield . His versatility has been crucial for the team, filling in for absences and strengthening the central midfield.
With Saúl available, Flamengo returns to the field this Thursday (18) to face Estudiantes , from Argentina, in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. The match takes place at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã.