Soccer

COMMENTATOR PROVIDES SOLIDARITY TO GABIGOL AFTER EPISODE INVOLVING FLAMENGO

During the broadcast of "Resenha da Rodada" on ESPN, the former player expressed his solidarity with Gabi, highlighting the propensity of referees to expel players with strong personalities.

Photo: Reproduction
Photo: Reproduction

15 Nov 2023 | 15:01 |

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In the clash valid for the 34th round of the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo and Fluminense had a fierce confrontation last Saturday (11). The game culminated in a 1-1 draw and was marked by some controversies involving Gabigol. The attacker, initially on the bench, was called upon during the game, which was already tied, with the aim of changing the outlook of the game and contributing to win three crucial points in Rubro-Negro's battle for the Brazilian title.


In the final minutes, the icon of the Rubro-Negra Nation found himself involved in a fight with Nino, Fluminense's defender. The defender went to take satisfaction with Flamengo's 10th shirt after suffering a foul committed by himself, thus triggering confusion. Although he did not cause the start of the commotion, Gabi was penalized with a red card by referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio. In the summary, the judge claimed that the player had aggressively addressed the defender, hitting him, which resulted in the disturbance. However, Wilton's statement does not match the available images, which clearly show that the initiative came from Nino.


The controversy triggered heated debates on social media and sports channels. During the broadcast of "Resenha da Rodada," an ESPN program, former player and commentator Zé Elias expressed solidarity with Gabi. The former midfielder argued that it is "easier to expel" players with Gabigol's profile, making a comparison between Flamengo striker Luís Fabiano and his own experience. Check it out:


Zé Elias emphasized the tendency of referees to expel players with strong personalities, highlighting that this approach is not fair. He compared Gabigol's current situation with similar episodes involving Luís Fabiano, a former striker known for his impulsive temperament, and mentioned his own career, indicating that players with a strong personality are often easy targets for referees.

The commentator highlighted the importance of impartially analyzing conflict situations on the field, avoiding unfair punishments. Zé Elias highlighted the referees' responsibility to remain calm and objective, especially in controversial moves that can directly influence the result of the match and the clubs' aspirations in the competition. The controversy surrounding the red card awarded to Gabigol not only added a component dramatic to the classic between Flamengo and Fluminense, but it also reignited the debate about arbitration performance and the need for improvements in the process of reviewing dubious bids. The episode, in addition to influencing the dynamics of the Brazilian Championship, highlights the importance of a careful and fair analysis of situations, aiming to preserve integrity and equity in Brazilian football.



Soccer

Cruzeiro will have an important return against Flamengo in the Brasileirão

Coach Leonardo Jardim will count on the return of defender Lucas Villalba to reinforce the defense in the duel against Mengão, this Thursday (2)

Cruzeiro will have the return of Lucas Villalba to face Flamengo at Maracanã in a direct duel for the leadership of the Brasileirão - photo: reproduction
Cruzeiro will have the return of Lucas Villalba to face Flamengo at Maracanã in a direct duel for the leadership of the Brasileirão - photo: reproduction

01 Out 2025 | 20:39 |

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Cruzeiro will have an important addition to their squad for their match against Flamengo in the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship. Suspended against Vasco, defender Lucas Villalba returns to the starting lineup and resumes his defensive position, replacing Jonathan Jesus. Villalba is considered a key player by coach Leonardo Jardim and is expected to be the only confirmed returnee for the match at Maracanã.


In addition to Villalba, Cruzeiro will again have Gabigol available, who served a suspension, and Luis Sinisterra, who has recovered from a right thigh muscle injury. Both were included in the squad, but they are expected to start the match as reserves.


The Minas Gerais team will still be without full-back Fagner, who is undergoing a physical transition after a fractured fibula, and Murilo Rhikman, Bruno Alves and Otávio, who are playing for the Brazilian Under-20 team.


PROBABLE LINEUP

Cruzeiro 's likely lineup for the match is: Cássio; William, Fabrício Bruno, Lucas Villalba and Kaiki; Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva, Christian and Matheus Pereira; Wanderson and Kaio Jorge . Coach: Leonardo Jardim.


FLAMENGO AND CRUZEIRO

The duel at Maracanã pits the top two teams in the Brasileirão against each other . Flamengo leads the competition with 54 points, while Cruzeiro is close behind with 50. A victory for the Minas Gerais team could narrow the gap in the standings and further intensify the title race.


Soccer

Flamengo is expected to make changes to its starting lineup for the match against Cruzeiro.

Teams face each other this Thursday (2), at 8:30 pm, at Maracanã, for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship and the duel brings together the leader and vice-leader of the competition

Flamengo faces Cruzeiro at Maracanã in the 26th round of the Brasileirão in a game that could extend the red-black advantage at the top - photo: reproduction
Flamengo faces Cruzeiro at Maracanã in the 26th round of the Brasileirão in a game that could extend the red-black advantage at the top - photo: reproduction

01 Out 2025 | 20:00 |

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Flamengo comes into the match on a high after a comeback victory over Corinthians in São Paulo. With 54 points, the Red-Blacks are looking to widen their gap over Cruzeiro , who sits in second place with 50.


Coach Filipe Luís, who completed a year in charge of the team, will have only one confirmed absence: Erick Pulgar. The Chilean midfielder, recovering from foot surgery , is still recovering physically. Michael is still doubtful.


Jorginho and Pedro, who were substitutes in the last game, are expected to return to the starting lineup . Varela, Alex Sandro, and Gonzalo Plata are also expected to start, giving Flamengo a more attacking lineup.


FLAMENGO ENDS PREPARATION

The red-and-black squad held their final training session this Wednesday (1st), at 3:30 pm, at Ninho do Urubu. It was the last opportunity for Filipe Luís to confirm the team that will take to the field at Maracanã in front of more than 70 thousand fans. The probable lineup includes Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Saúl, Jorginho and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino and Pedro.


TECHNICAL SHEET

26th round – Brazilian Championship

📆 Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025

⏰ Time: 8:30 pm (Brasília time)

📍 Location: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

📺 Broadcast: Premiere


Soccer

For fear of default, Flamengo may ask for Matheus Gonçalves to return - understand

The transfer of the jewel of Ninho to the team from Saudi Arabia, moved the coffers of Mengão, but the Rio de Janeiro club has not yet received the value of the negotiation

Flamengo may cancel the sale of Matheus Gonçalves to Al-Ahli if the Arab club fails to pay the first installment - photo: reproduction
Flamengo may cancel the sale of Matheus Gonçalves to Al-Ahli if the Arab club fails to pay the first installment - photo: reproduction

01 Out 2025 | 19:21 |

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Flamengo agreed to sell young attacking midfielder Matheus Gonçalves to Al-Ahli for 8 million euros (around R$50 million). The amount was to be paid upfront, but ended up being split into three annual installments between 2025 and 2027. According to information released by journalist Paparazzo Rubro-Negro, the first installment, scheduled to be paid by last Monday (30), was not deposited.


With the Arab team's delay, Flamengo is considering taking legal action to ensure compliance with the contract. The board fears that the Arab club will not honor its commitments , which could constitute a default.


The situation is concerning for Gávea, which was counting on the funds to bolster its cash flow. If the payment isn't regularized by October 4th, there's a chance the contract will be terminated and Matheus Gonçalves will return to the club.


CAN MATHEUS GONÇALVES RETURN?

Although he recently transferred, the player could return to Flamengo if the deal falls through. The board is closely monitoring the player's movements and is in contact with representatives of the player and Al-Ahli.


WHEN WILL FLAMENGO PLAY AGAIN?
Flamengo enters the field to defend its sole lead in the Brasileirão, with 54 points, four more than second-place Cruzeiro. A victory could extend the Flamengo's lead, while a victory for the Minas Gerais team would reduce the gap to just one point.




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