Flamengo's presidential candidate, Bap criticizes Marcos Braz: "Amador"

Coach Filipe Luís showed confidence when projecting the decisive duel between Flamengo and Internacional, this Wednesday (20), at Beira-Rio, for the return leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores. After two recent meetings between the clubs , the coach highlighted that he already knows the opponent's style of play well.

"Internacional has to put pressure on us, and I have no doubt they'll try. They're looking to keep possession and create dangerous plays . At home, they'll put pressure on Flamengo ," said Filipe Luís in a press conference after their second consecutive victory over Colorado.

CONTEXT OF THE CONFRONTATION

The teams arrive at their third duel in just seven days. On Sunday (17), Flamengo won 3-1, in the Brasileirão, at Beira-Rio, extending their lead in the championship with 43 points. Before that, on Thursday (14), Mais Querido had already defeated Colorado 1-0, at Maracanã, in the first leg of the Libertadores.

SAÚL ÑÍGUEZ WINS SPOT ON THE TEAM

When asked about the Brasileirão victory, Filipe Luís highlighted the importance of Spaniard Saúl Ñíguez, who started the match: "Saúl played a great game. When he arrived at Flamengo, he still needed to regain his fitness. This defensive midfielder role is the heart of the team, and it demands a lot . Now I felt he was ready," explained the coach.

WHAT TIME IS THE GAME?

Flamengo and Internacional face each other again this Wednesday (20), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Beira-Rio Stadium, in Porto Alegre. The match will define the place for the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores . The event will be broadcast by Globo (open TV), ESPN (closed TV) and Disney+ (streaming).

The club's president, Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as Bap, spoke for the first time about the new master sponsor. The director celebrated the contract with Betano , announced this Monday, and emphasized the importance of the deal, which has become the largest in the history of Brazilian football. In an interview with Flamengo TV at Maracanã, Bap compared the club's trajectory to Real Madrid , citing its ownerless model and institutional strength.

"You have to have a lot of admiration for Real Madrid . In a world of SAFs, Real Madrid isn't a SAF; it's a club like Flamengo. It doesn't have an owner, just as Flamengo doesn't. And we have to recognize that it's the most successful club in the history of world football. Who else could we look up to? We want to be the Real Madrid of the Americas," he stated.

CONTRACT WITH BETANO

The new contract will last three years and four months , starting in September 2025, with a contribution of R$895 million. This amount is equivalent to €42 million per season, exceeding the amounts received by major European clubs, such as Atlético de Madrid, which earns €40 million annually from Riyadh Air. According to a survey by the English website The Sponsor, the contract would place Flamengo above 14 Premier League teams, behind only the "Big Six."

PARTNERSHIP PROVIDES FOR FRIENDLY MATCHES

The agreement also opens the possibility of friendlies with other clubs sponsored by the company, such as River Plate and Porto. According to Bap, the main challenge will be reconciling the teams' schedules , but both parties are willing to hold the matches.

In addition to men's soccer, Betano will be featured on the uniforms of the women's team, basketball team, volleyball team, and even the squad's travel gear. The first game with the brand on display will be on August 31st , against Grêmio, at Maracanã, in the Brazilian Championship.

Flamengo returns to the field this Wednesday (20) to face Internacional, at Beira-Rio, in the second leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores. After winning the first leg 1-0, at Maracanã, Filipe Luís' team arrives with an advantage and can guarantee not only classification, but also a significant amount to the club's coffers.

A spot in the quarterfinals earns the qualified team $1.7 million (approximately R$9.3 million) . Furthermore, advancing keeps Flamengo within its established goal for the season: reaching at least the semifinals of the continental tournament. Despite its importance, the top priority this year remains the Brasileirão.

HOW DOES FLAMENGO ARRIVE?

Coach Filipe Luís will have virtually full strength available. The only confirmed absence is Erick Pulgar, who is still recovering from a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot. The likely starting lineup for the red-and-blacks is: Rossi; Varela, Danilo, Léo Pereira (Ortiz), and Alex Sandro; Jorginho, Saúl, and Arrascaeta; Plata, Samuel Lino, and Bruno Henrique (Pedro).

FLAMENGO HAS THE ADVANTAGE

Having won the first leg at Maracanã 1-0, Flamengo must draw to advance to the quarterfinals . However, if Internacional wins by one goal, the final will be decided by penalties. Mengão will be eliminated if they lose by more than two goals.

WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH?

The duel between Flamengo x Internacional takes place this Wednesday (20), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Beira-Rio. The match will be broadcast by Globo (open TV), ESPN (closed TV) and Disney+ (streaming) . Gazeta do Urubu keeps you informed of all the details of the match.