Botafogo fires coach before clash with Flamengo

Flamengo is already planning reinforcements for the 2026 season and has Gabriel Grando, 25, on its list of potential signings . According to the newspaper O Dia, the Flamengo board is closely monitoring the situation of the Grêmio goalkeeper, who came through the Grêmio youth academy and stands at 1.92m tall. The athlete recently rejected a contract renewal offer in Porto Alegre.

The move comes amid the planned departure of Matheus Cunha , Agustín Rossi's current backup, who is expected to sign a pre-contract with Cruzeiro . With no room at Gávea, the goalkeeper will leave the club in 2026, prompting the board to plan a replacement.

GABRIEL GRANDO'S CONTRACT AND SITUATION

Negotiations between Gabriel Grando and Grêmio are ongoing, but have yet to be finalized. Flamengo is monitoring developments and may formalize an offer soon. The goalkeeper nearly signed with Palmeiras this season, but the clubs failed to reach an agreement . He currently has a contract with Grêmio until December 2026.

According to journalist Fabrício Lopes, director José Boto held initial talks and presented a salary offer, which the player has already accepted . In addition to Flamengo , Botafogo has also expressed interest in signing the goalkeeper.

ABOUT THAT…

While the board continues to search for a new goalkeeper, Flamengo returns to the field this Wednesday (20) for the second game of the round of 16 of the Libertadores against Internacional , at Beira-Rio. The match is scheduled for 9:30 pm (Brasília time) and will be broadcast by Rede Globo (open TV), ESPN (closed TV) and Disney+.

Botafogo's rise in recent years has intensified its rivalry with Flamengo, making the derby one of the most anticipated in Brazilian football . Former Botafogo player Luiz Henrique revealed that Flamengo defender Léo Ortiz was the toughest opponent he faced.

In an interview with journalist Marcelo Hazan, the Zenit (RUS) striker highlighted the defensive quality of the number 3, who has been called up to the Brazilian national team several times. Furthermore, Luiz Henrique stated that the derby against Flamengo was the duel he most wanted to win .

LEO ORTIZ MOMENT

A key player in Flamengo 's defense, Léo Ortiz is in great form in 2025. Playing alongside Léo Pereira for much of the season, while Danilo was recovering from injury, the defender has already played 40 games, scored four goals and provided two assists this year.

LUIZ HENRIQUE'S RETROSPECT AGAINST FLAMENGO

Discovered by Fluminense and with a notable stint at Botafogo, Luiz Henrique faced Flamengo 12 times, with a balanced result: five wins, two draws and five defeats, totaling 47.2% success against Rubro-Negro.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT CHALLENGE

Flamengo returns to the field this Wednesday (20), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), against Internacional, at Beira-Rio, for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. Mengão won the first leg 1-0 and can even draw to guarantee qualification . A Colorado victory by one goal difference takes the decision to penalties.

Flamengo will decide this Saturday (23) the title of the U-20 Club World Cup against Barcelona (ESP), at 4:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. Globo announced that it will broadcast the match on open TV , changing the afternoon schedule to prioritize the duel.

The network canceled the Afternoon Session and moved Caldeirão with Mion to 2:50 p.m. Gustavo Villani will be the narrator, with commentary by Maestro Júnior and Paulo Nunes . In addition to Globo , SporTV will also broadcast the match.

HOW DOES FLAMENGO ARRIVE?

The red-and-black team will have reinforcements from the professionals. Matheus Gonçalves and Joshua return to the base, as well as defender João Victor, all at the disposal of coach Bruno Pivetti. Wallace Yan remains in the main squad . The decision was made by Filipe Luís, who used the youngster in the game against Internacional, last Sunday (17).

DECISION SERVICE

The clash between Flamengo x Barcelona for the final of the U-20 Club World Cup will be this Saturday (23), at 4:30 pm (Brasília time) at Maracanã . The match will be broadcast by Globo (open TV) and SporTV (closed TV).

AND THE PROFESSIONAL?

The top team, led by coach Filipe Luís, returns to the field this Wednesday (20) for the second game of the round of 16 of the Libertadores against Internacional , at Beira-Rio. The match is scheduled for 9:30 pm (Brasília time) and will be broadcast by Rede Globo (open TV), ESPN (closed TV) and Disney+.