Good news? Bragantino will have 9 absences for the clash against Flamengo

Tite defined Flamengo and announced the 11 starters who will face Peñarol, this Thursday, at Maracanã, at 7pm. De la Cruz returns to the starting lineup in place of Léo Ortiz, and Alex Sandro and Plata were retained. The duel with the Uruguayans is the first between the teams in the quarter-finals of the Copa Conmebol Libertadores. Follow the Red and Black lineup:Rossi, Varela, Fabrício Bruno, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Pulgar, De la Cruz, Gerson and Arrascaeta; Plata and Bruno Henrique.

Alex Sandro and Plata, debutants in last Sunday's classic, remain in the team after having good performances in the draw against Vasco. Gabigol is now out of the relationship due to fibrosis in the posterior muscle of his right thigh. Flamengo, in a statement, reported that the athlete did not suffer any injury in the region. Check it out:

"The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo informs that the athlete Gabriel Barbosa underwent tests that did not diagnose an injury to the posterior muscle of his right thigh. However, the Technical Committee opted for precaution and did not list him for the duel against Peñarol due to fibrosis in the region. Gabi is handed over to physiotherapists and physical trainers for the series of decisive games of the season."

Flamengo faces Peñarol (URU) in the first game of the CONMEBOL Libertadores quarter-finals and, here, you can watch the broadcast, live, with 2h30 of pre-game, interviews, the team's arrival at Maracanã and everything more.

Follow the match live here:

Matheus Gonçalves, Flamengo's young promise, clearly demonstrated his preference to continue at the Rio club, despite proposals received from other teams both in Brazil and abroad. In a statement to UOL, the athlete highlighted his emotional bond with Rubro-Negro, a club he has defended since he was 12 years old. For him, the Flamengo is the ideal place to continue developing his career and where he believes he can have more opportunities for growth.

This choice reflects the strong bond that Gonçalves has with the team and his vision that he can gain more space in the main team. In a market where young talents often seek international transfers in search of greater visibility and financial return, the midfielder chooses to remain at the club he considers his favorite team. This emotional connection, combined with confidence in his potential, reinforces the player's desire to consolidate his position in the red and black squad.

FLAMENGO HAS A DECISION POINT

< The interest of national and foreign clubs in the player is not a surprise. With outstanding passages in the youth categories, Matheus Gonçalves attracted the attention of the public and experts due to his talent and performance on the field. However, the decision to remain at Flamengocan be seen as a strategic step, both for his career and for the club itself, which seeks to maintain its young values ​​in the squad.

The attitude of Matheus Gonçalves demonstrates maturity and commitment. In an era where pressure for quick results and million-dollar negotiations can influence decisions, the midfielder chooses to continue his development at the club where he feels most comfortable. This can be beneficial not only for your technical and tactical evolution, but also to strengthen your bond with the fans and the club, which values ​​its players' identification with Flamengo.