Botafogo passes São Paulo on penalties and could be Flamengo's opponent in the Libertadores semi-final

Signed in this mid-year window, Saúl Ñíguez experienced a milestone this Sunday (17). For the first time since arriving in Rio de Janeiro, the Spanish midfielder played the full 90 minutes in an official match wearing the Flamengo shirt . His full debut came in the 3-1 victory over Internacional , a result that maintained the Mais Querido's good moment in the Brazilian Championship.

Saúl celebrates 90 minutes for Flamengo: "I felt good"

At the end of the game, Saúl analyzed his performance, acknowledging improvement but still urging caution regarding his physical condition. "I felt good. Of course, I still lack rhythm, many things . Little by little, I'll regain my confidence. In many plays, I could have taken more risks, but I preferred to keep the ball and play more calmly. But I'm happy. It's a shame about the last goal; I wanted to keep the score after a great match. It was a shame," he declared.

SPANISH VALUES REGULARITY

With the victory, Flamengo extended its winning streak against the Gauchos. They had two consecutive victories in less than a week against the same opponent . Now, the next meeting between the teams will be in the Copa Libertadores, at Beira-Rio, in a match that will determine a spot in the quarterfinals.

Saúl highlighted the importance of the recent result for the squad's confidence. " Yes, of course, it gives confidence. We've already won two matches against them, we've been solid , balanced. In the Libertadores, at home, the second half cost us. But we showed that we can maintain the rhythm, maintain the game, in both halves. And we have to keep it up," the Spaniard assessed.

FLAMENGO FACE INTER AGAIN

With the aggregate advantage after the 1-0 victory at Maracanã, the Rio de Janeiro team will have the opportunity to confirm their qualification away from home. The match against Internacional takes place this Wednesday (20), again at Beira-Rio, where Mengão will try to repeat their solidity and seal their place in the quarterfinals of the continental tournament.

Flamengo secured a solid victory and remained top of the Brazilian Championship in the 20th round. Filipe Luís's team won 3-1, with goals from Pedro (twice) and Plata for Mengão, and Borré's goal for the Colorados.

THE MATCH BETWEEN FLAMENGO X INTER

Within the first minute, Vitinho received a yellow card and was suspended for Colorado's next match. The play seemed to portend trouble for the home team, which soon proved to be the case. Six minutes later, Arrascaeta found Varela, who headed the ball to Pedro to open the scoring. Shortly after, the Uruguayan got back in the game, setting up the number 9, who made no mistake: 2-0.

Internacional even tried to respond with shots from Aguirre and Borré, but without much danger for Rossi. On the other side, Rubro-Negro remained in control and even saw Léo Pereira nearly extend his lead with a bicycle kick that hit the post.

FLAMENGO DECREASED ITS INTENSITY

After the break, Colorado came back more aggressive. Gustavo Prado created good opportunities and forced Rossi into two important saves . The comeback, however, was hampered by the visiting team's defensive solidity.

The punishment came in the 16th minute, when Saúl won the ball back from the Colorado attack and passed it to Plata. The striker finished with style to make it 3-0, silencing part of the stadium. From then on, the Gauchos tried to push back, but their lack of precision kept the score intact. The Mais Querido almost scored the fourth through Ayrton Lucas, but Anthoni was denied.

INTER SCORES A GOAL AT THE END

The match gradually cooled down in Porto Alegre. Inter looked for space, but found the red-and-black defense alert and well-positioned. Substitutions were made on both sides, and when the team from Rio Grande do Sul brought on some starters, they managed to break the deadlock with Borré in the 47th minute of the second half.

Flamengo now returns to the field again against Internacional, however, this time, for the Copa Libertadores da América, next Wednesday (20). It is worth remembering that the Rio de Janeiro team achieved a 1-0 victory, in the game held at Maracanã.

Midfielder Arthur, currently without a place at Juventus, was offered to Flamengo this transfer window. The player, who is close to returning to Grêmio , was analyzed by the Flamengo board, but without progress.

According to journalist Venê Casagrande, on his YouTube channel, the Rio de Janeiro club only sounded out values , in a move considered routine behind the scenes, but did not open negotiations for his signing.

ARTHUR'S FOOTBALL CAREER

Arthur emerged as a promising player at Barcelona, but failed to maintain regularity in European football. He played for Juventus, Liverpool, and Girona without much success. Last season, on loan to Fiorentina, he performed well and managed to regain some of his prestige.

For Juventus, the Brazilian made 63 appearances, scoring one goal and providing one assist. Still, he's not in the Italian club's plans, and they're considering a permanent exit.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF RUBRO-NEGRO

While Arthur's name is being circulated on the transfer market, Flamengo remains focused on strengthening other positions. A center forward and a goalkeeper are the main targets for José Boto's football department.