FULL HOUSE! CHECK OUT THE PARTIALS OF FLAMENGO - RB BRAGANTINO THIS THURSDAY

The night after the 1-0 defeat to Peñarol, coach Tite was faced with a barrage of criticism from Flamengo fans. The result did not please many, and the pressure increased considerably on the coach. In a press conference, Tite addressed these reactions calmly, highlighting that criticism is a natural reflection of the fans' passion for the club, especially in moments of frustration with the results on the field.

The coach's statements did not deny the seriousness of the situation, but he opted for an optimistic approach. Tite believes that, with work and a good performance in the second leg, Flamengo can reverse the situation and regain the fans' confidence.

Flamengo entered on the field against Peñarol in an important match, with great expectations of a good result. However, the 1-0 home defeat was a blow to the fans and put more pressure on the squad and coaching staff. Flamengo, one of the most successful clubs and with the biggest fans in Brazil, tends to deal with the constant expectation of victories and good performance. When these objectives are not achieved, reactions are quick to emerge.

The defeat left the team in a delicate situation in the competition, which makes the second leg even more decisive. The need for a positive result in the second match against Peñarol is not only to advance in the competition, but also to calm the spirits of a fan base that is increasingly demanding.

In the last round of the Libertadores group stage, Flamengo, now under the command of coach Tite, saw its long undefeated streak as home team come to an end. The 1-0 defeat marked the end of a run of 28 matches without losing at home in the competition. The negative result was a shock for the fans, mainly because it occurred at a crucial moment in the season and because of the expectations surrounding the team led by a renowned coach like Tite.

The last time Flamengo had been defeated at Maracanã by the Libertadores was in April 2019, when Peñarol beat the red-black team by the same score of 1-0. The current setback, therefore, brought back memories of that game, creating a feeling of déjà vu among fans . It is worth remembering that, at that time, Flamengo was in a moment of transition and seeking to consolidate itself as one of the powers of South American football.

With the arrival of Tite at the helm of Flamengo, the expectation was that the team would gain tactical consistency and competitiveness in important tournaments, such as the Libertadores itself. Tite, who has a respected CV, mainly for his work in the Brazilian national team, was hired with the mission of making Flamengo become dominant again both on the national and international scene.

The defeat at home, however , served as a cold water for part of the fans who expected a quiet victory. Their unbeaten record at home was seen as one of Flamengo's trump cards in continental competition, a guarantee of strength within their domains. By losing this status, the team will now need to deal with the pressure and doubts that arise from this result.

Maracanã, the stage for the passions and glories of Brazilian football, faced an unusual challenge this week: hosting three games in just three days. After the epic duel between Brazil and Argentina last Tuesday, the stadium administration tried to ensure that the field was in ideal conditions for the clashes between Fluminense and São Paulo, followed by the eagerly awaited clash between Flamengo and Bragantino.

Faced with the dazzling spectacle of the South American classic, Maracanã had no time to rest. The team responsible for maintaining the pitch worked tirelessly to ensure that the surface was impeccable for the local clashes. According to the exclusive investigation of the Coluna do Fla report, a series of special precautions were adopted.

The process of revitalizing the lawn included a meticulous cleaning cut, adjustments to the height of the grass, specific repairs to damaged areas and the crucial rescheduling of the game lines. These actions were carried out with surgical precision during Wednesday, preceding the second game of the marathon between Fluminense and São Paulo, valid for the Brasileirão.

With the stage properly prepared, the tricolors and paulistas entered the field at 9:30 pm , in Brasília time, featuring a duel that promised to be as exciting as the clash between the national teams. The Maracanã, always imposing, once again received the passion of the fans in the midst of an unprecedented sequence of matches.

After the final whistle of the second game, the attention of the maintenance team turned to the third and the last clash of the sporting triad. Flamengo, the club with the biggest fans in the country, would enter the scene to face Bragantino in a delayed match of the 30th round of the Brasileirão. The pressure was great, not only on the players, but also on the pitch which, although resistant, needed to withstand another intense night of football.

The same procedures applied previously were repeated, showing the dedication of the Maracanã administration in offering the best conditions for the show. The expectations of the company in charge of the grass were clear: the playing surface would be in excellent condition for the duel between Flamengo and Bragantino. However, the awareness that such an intense sequence of matches could cause wear and tear was latent.

The duality between the desire to provide a quality spectacle and the concern about the wear and tear of the pitch reflects the complexity faced by managers of the stadium. Maracanã, temple of Brazilian football, is more than just a playing field; it is a stage where stories are written and emotions are experienced intensely.

At the end of this football marathon, the certainty resided in the unwavering passion of the fans and in Maracanã's ability to overcome challenges. The spectacle, on and off the pitch, is the true essence of football, and Maracanã continues to be the epicenter of this unique experience. Regardless of the necessary care, the lawn, like the passion for football, remains resilient, ready to welcome the emotions that only Brazil's most beloved sport is capable of providing.