HAT? SÃO PAULO SENDS PROPOSAL TO HAVE A JUVENTUS ATHLETE WHO IS FLAMENGO’S DREAM

Real Madrid's 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semifinals has gained a separate chapter off the field— and the protagonist is Vinícius Júnior . PSG's dominant performance, which easily secured a spot in the final, left the Merengue fans frustrated. But it was a scene off the field that heated up tempers: Vinícius Júnior was spotted smiling on the bench during the second half of the match.

HARD BUT FAIR DEFEAT

Xabi Alonso's team was largely outclassed on the field. PSG built up the impressive lead with authority and even rested starters early in the second half. This absolute dominance was a heavy blow to the Madrid team, who were dreaming of a world final.

With the score already 3-0, the official broadcast cameras captured the Brazilian striker talking and smiling on the bench, alongside other teammates. Despite trying to cover his face with his hands, the image quickly went viral on social media , being shared by sports pages and fans. The backlash was immediate—and negative.

CRITICISM AND REPERCUSSION

On social media, some fans interpreted the behavior as a sign of disengagement in the face of a difficult time for the club. The website Real Madrid Confidencial called the incident "unacceptable," echoing the dissatisfaction of many fans.

Despite the controversy, neither the club nor the player have made any official statements. The expectation now is on the reaction of the Real Madrid locker room and board to the repercussions—and on Vini Jr. 's response on the field in the upcoming matches of the season.

After weeks in the United States for the Club World Cup, Flamengo returns to Brazil fully focused on the rest of the season. Their next match will be this Saturday (12), at 4 pm, against São Paulo, at Maracanã, for the 13th round of the Brazilian Championship. The duel will mark the reunion of the red-black fans with the main team after the setback against Bayern Munich in the international competition.

Coach Filipe Luís is preparing major changes to his starting lineup, particularly in midfield. Gerson's departure, due to a trade with Zenit in Russia, and Erick Pulgar's injury have forced the coach to overhaul the midfield. The new lineup will feature Italian-Brazilian Jorginho alongside Uruguayans Nicolás De La Cruz and Giorgian Arrascaeta.

NEW MIDFIELD TRIO

The new trio of Jorginho, De La Cruz, and Arrascaeta will make their debut in the head-to-head match against São Paulo. Their combination of intensity, technique, and creativity is expected to bolster the team's balance in the center of the field. Filipe Luís is banking on the players' experience to fill in for the absences and maintain Flamengo's strong performance in the competition.

In attack, Luiz Araújo is confirmed as a starter. The other two spots remain open, with a fierce competition between Bruno Henrique, Pedro, and Ecuadorian Gonzalo Plata. The final lineup is expected to be determined just before the game, depending on performances in training this week.

Flamengo 's likely lineup for the duel at Maracanã is: Rossi; Wesley, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Jorginho, De La Cruz and Arrascaeta; Luiz Araújo, Plata and Pedro (or Bruno Henrique).

FLAMENGO LEADS THE CHAMPIONSHIP

Despite the strain of the trip and the changes to the team, the coaching staff's goal is to maintain its undisputed lead in the Brasileirão. Flamengo is currently top of the table, with 24 points from 11 matches —one game fewer than some of its direct rivals. The last time they played in the championship, they defeated Fortaleza 5-0, also at Maracanã.

Jorginho's quick adaptation to Flamengo comes as no surprise to those already familiar with his style. An idol of the Italian national team that won the 2021 European Championship, the midfielder has received praise from former teammates, such as full-back Emerson Palmieri , who shared the Azzurri's locker room with him.

SUCCESS PREDICTION

Emerson Palmieri on Jorginho at Flamengo: "It will work out really well"

In an interview with ESPN's Resenha program, Emerson highlighted the intelligence and game control of the new number 21 of the red-black team , in addition to predicting a great Brazilian naturalized Italian with the Sacred Mantle.

"Watching Jorginho play... he's really good. That's going to be normal. He's technically one of the best I've ever seen playing. He knows how to control the midfield, set the tone for the game. He's very intelligent on the field. He organizes the defense and the midfield very well . He's a guy who will do very well at Flamengo ," he said.

RED-BLACK CONNECTIONS IN ENGLAND

In addition to Jorginho , Emerson Palmieri also has ties to another well-known name among Flamengo fans: Lucas Paquetá. Teammates at West Ham, the two have been playing together since 2022. Revealed by Flamengo, Paquetá is a constant presence in behind-the-scenes conversations , which keeps the Rio de Janeiro club present in the Italian-Brazilian full-back's daily life.

With international experience and a career marked by titles, Jorginho has been a key player in the midfield of Filipe Luís' team. And, according to those who know him well, this is just the beginning. The midfielder must now adapt to Brazilian football and will make his debut at Maracanã this Saturday (12) when Mengão faces São Paulo in the Brasileirão.