WITH DM ALMOST "ZEROED" FLAMENGO HAS ONLY CEBOLINHA DOWN - CHECK

Midfielder Nicolás De La Cruz, one of Flamengo's main names, once again worried the coaching staff and the red and black fans. The player, who had recently returned from injury, suffered a new problem in the same hamstring on his right thigh. The situation occurs just a month after his last visit to the medical department, reigniting warnings about his physical condition and ability to recover.

A The first injury occurred on August 28, in a clash against Bahia for the Brazilian Championship. On that occasion, De La Cruz was substituted during the game after feeling intense pain in the back of his right thigh. Medical diagnoses confirmed a muscle injury, which sidelined the athlete for two weeks. With an intense treatment routine and an apparently successful recovery, the midfielder returned to the team on September 19, in the duel against Peñarol for the Copa Libertadores.

 ONE MONTH AFTER RETURN, ANOTHER INJURY 

Despite the expectation for his return, the concern about the physical condition of De La Cruz materialized again . On October 4th, during a training session, the player felt pain in the same region again and underwent a new medical evaluation. The diagnosis confirmed a new muscle injury, this time with a similar degree to the previous one, which should keep him away from the field for approximately two weeks. This scenario represents a challenge for coach Filipe Luís, who loses a key member of the squad at a crucial moment of the season.

FLAMENGO HAS POINTED EVOLUTION

The recurrence of the injury raises questions about the planning of the athlete's return and the way in which his recovery was conducted. Club experts point out that muscle injuries are common in high-performance athletes, especially in positions that require explosiveness and agility, as is the case of De La Cruz. However, the recurrence of the problem indicates the need for a more cautious approach, avoiding haste when returning to the field and preserving the player for the remainder of the season.

De La Cruz is one of the most prominent players at Flamengo, and his absence is felt both in the creative sector and in the finishing of plays. With the absence confirmed for the next games, Filipe Luís will have to look for alternatives in the squad to fill this gap. Player like Alcaraz appears as a viable option, but none of them have the same characteristics as the Uruguayan midfielder, which may require tactical and strategic adjustments in the team.

Real Madrid staged another unforgettable night at the Santiago Bernabéu by beating Borussia Dortmund 5-2, in a game valid for the third round of the Champions League . The Madrid team came up behind on the scoreboard with two goals conceded in the first half, but, with a great reaction, turned the game around in the second half with goals from Rüdiger, Lucas Vázquez and three from Vini Jr., who shone once again in the competition.

The confrontation started unfavorably for Real Madrid, which saw Borussia Dortmund score two goals in succession in the first half, with Malen and Gittens swinging the nets.

However, in the second half, Carlo Ancelotti's team reacted with intensity, and Rüdiger began Madrid's recovery. A few minutes later, Vini Jr. scored the first of three goals he would score in the match, sealing a gala performance and leading Real Madrid to victory. Lucas Vázquez also left his mark on the scoreboard, confirming the turnaround.

MESSAGE TO THE RUBRO-NEGRA NATION

After the hat-trick that guaranteed the Merengues' triumph, Vini Jr., who is Flamengo's creation, took the opportunity to send a message to the red and black fans. In his message, the striker congratulated Mais Querido for qualifying for the final of the Copa do Brasil and wished the team good luck in their search for another title.

"Always keeping an eye on my Mengão, my favorite team. We are in another final. I want to wish good luck to all the players and fans. May we win once again", declared the star. >

FLAMENGO IN SEARCH FOR ANOTHER TITLE

Flamengo, who will face Atlético-MG in the final of the Copa do Brazil, seeks to win the fifth championship of the competition. Before the decision, however, CRF has another important commitment: it will face Juventude on the 26th, in a match valid for the Brazilian Championship.

Flamengo secured its place in the final of the Copa do Brasil and, with it, guaranteed at least R$51 million in prizes in the competition . The amount already won by the club totals R$ 19 million, accumulating the amounts from the third phase to the semi-finall. In case of runner-up, Rubro-Negro will have an increase of R$ 31.5 million, totaling R$ 51.05 million. If Flamengo wins the title, the amount received exceeds R$73.5 million, which, added to the amount obtained so far, would take the total prize pool to more than R$90 million. This financial scenario shows the importance of the competition for the club in terms of revenue.

In Flamengo's trajectory in the Copa do Brasil, the Awards are staggered by phase. The club received R$2.205 million in the third phase, followed by R$3.465 million in the round of 16. When advancing to the quarterfinals, there was another R$4.515 million. In the semi-final, the value was R$9.45 million. If the competition finishes in second place, the guaranteed prize pool will be R$ 31.5 million. However, if Filipe Luís manages to lead Flamengo to the title, the club will pocket an additional R$ 73.5 million, consolidating its strength financial benefit that the Copa do Brasil provides.

FLAMENGO HAS BIG IN THEIR HANDS

The technical challenge is also a highlight in this final. Filipe Luís takes on the role of coach at a club that in recent years has experienced a real “game of musical chairs” in charge. In 2022, Dorival Jr. took the reins Flamengo to the Copa do Brasil title in a memorable campaign against Corinthians< /a>. However, in 2023, the club finished runners-up under Jorge Sampaoli, losing the final to São Paulo. Now, Filipe Luís faces his biggest test yet, trying to take the club to the top once again, but this time as head coach.

Despite his short experience ahead from the professional team, Filipe Luís already has a winning record at Flamengo's academy. The former player, who stood out on the field throughout his career, he led the under-17 team to win the Copa Rio and was world champion with the under-20s. These achievements reveal his potential as a coach and explain the trust that the board has placed in him for this crucial moment. The mission, however, is not easy, as the expectations and pressure are immense for a club accustomed to great achievements.