
Soccer
23 Jun 2025 | 14:58 |
With qualification guaranteed in first place in Group D, Flamengo now awaits the definition of Group C to find out its opponent in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup. Despite the scenario still undefined, the tendency is for Bayern Munich to advance in first place, leaving Benfica and Boca Juniors, FIFA's favorite , as potential opponents for Rubro-Negro .
Zé Elias on Flamengo in the knockout stages of the Club World Cup: "I would prefer Benfica"
Former player and commentator Zé Elias analyzed this scenario and pointed out which opponent would be more "viable" for Flamengo . Although he considers Filipe Luís' team the favorite against either of the two, he believes that facing Benfica would be the best scenario for the Rio de Janeiro team: " Whether against Benfica or Boca , Flamengo is the favorite, but each one has its own way of playing . If I were a Flamengo fan, I would prefer Benfica", stated Zé Elias.
Bayern Munich , with six points, only need a draw against Benfica to secure top spot in the group. The Portuguese side will qualify with a draw or even a defeat , as long as Boca Juniors do not make up a seven-goal difference.
To dream of reaching the round of 16, Boca need to beat already eliminated Auckland City by at least six goals and hope for a Bayern win over Benfica. A complicated combination, but still possible.
Zé Elias also commented on the difference in styles between the possible opponents. For him, a match against Boca Juniors could bring a Libertadores-like atmosphere, with a lot of tension, hard fouls and possible anti-play by the Argentines: “Boca will become Brazil vs. Argentina. It will become a brawling match because Boca won’t want to play , they will want to hit and keep hitting. Against Boca it will be a brawl. It’s Libertadores,” he highlighted.
Recent history reinforces this assessment: in the debut against Benfica, Boca Juniors had two players sent off after a generalized brawl on the field. Flamengo, in turn, continues its preparation to face Los Angeles FC , this Tuesday (24), at 10 pm (Brasília time), at Camping World Stadium, in Orlando.
Mengão faces Raposa at full strength at Maracanã, in a direct duel for the leadership of the Brasileirão and Gabigol's reunion with the Minas Gerais team
02 Out 2025 | 19:25 |
Flamengo takes to the field this Thursday (2), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time) , at Maracanã, to face Cruzeiro in a direct duel for the leadership of the Brazilian Championship. The match opens the 26th round of the competition and will have a full house, with tickets sold out.
After resting some players in the victory over Corinthians, coach Filipe Luís opted for a full-strength squad . Ayrton Lucas returns from suspension, while Matías Viña and Léo Pereira, cleared by the medical department, are available.
The Rubro-Negro formation for the match is: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Jorginho, Saúl and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino and Carrascal.
Flamengo leads the Brazilian Championship with 54 points, trailing Cruzeiro with 50 and Palmeiras, who beat Vasco 3-0 and have 52 points. The match at Maracanã is considered a "six-point" game , which could either increase or reduce the advantage at the top of the table.
In addition to the battle for the top spot, the match marks Gabigol's reunion with his former club. Currently at Cruzeiro, the striker will face the Flamengo fans, who idolized him during his time at the club between 2019 and 2024. Gabigol left Flamengo after a year of ups and downs, ending a run full of goals, titles, and a strong connection with the club.
Mengão faces Raposa this Thursday (2), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, in a duel valid for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship
02 Out 2025 | 18:30 |
Flamengo faces Cruzeiro this Thursday (2), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, in a duel valid for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship. The match will be broadcast by SporTV and Premiere, without showing on open TV.
The Rubro-Negro 's probable lineup for the match is: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira (Danilo) and Alex Sandro; Jorginho, Saúl and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata (Carrascal), Samuel Lino and Pedro.
Number 10 negotiates renewal with Mengão until 2029, while Filipe Luís and Rossi also discuss new contracts at the Rio de Janeiro club
02 Out 2025 | 18:00 |
Flamengo continues working behind the scenes to secure the retention of key players. With the transfer window now closed, the club has begun talks to extend the contracts of coach Filipe Luís, goalkeeper Rossi, and, most notably, Uruguayan midfielder Giorgian De Arrascaeta.
The club's board, represented by José Boto, is seeking to extend Arrascaeta's contract until 2029. The player's agent, Daniel Fonseca, is expected to meet with the club's leadership soon to finalize the final details. According to journalist Fabrício Lopes, proposals have already been exchanged between the parties, with only final adjustments remaining before the signing.
The number 10 is expected to receive a pay raise as part of the deal. Arrascaeta is considered a key player in Filipe Luís' squad, racking up 14 goals and 10 assists in 22 Brasileirão matches this season. The star's goal is to play for Mengão until the end of his career. In 2029, he will be 35 years old.
In addition to Arrascaeta, the board is working to retain Filipe Luís. The coach, who took over after retiring as a player, has publicly stated his desire to stay for the long term. His current contract runs until December, and a smooth renewal is expected.
While negotiating behind the scenes, the team focuses on the Brasileirão. Flamengo hosts Cruzeiro this Thursday (2), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the 26th round of the competition. The duel is direct in the fight for leadership and can increase the red-black advantage at the top of the table.