Neto puts himself above Flamengo's star: "I played more..."

Botafogo's rise in recent years has intensified its rivalry with Flamengo, making the derby one of the most anticipated in Brazilian football . Former Botafogo player Luiz Henrique revealed that Flamengo defender Léo Ortiz was the toughest opponent he faced.

In an interview with journalist Marcelo Hazan, the Zenit (RUS) striker highlighted the defensive quality of the number 3, who has been called up to the Brazilian national team several times. Furthermore, Luiz Henrique stated that the derby against Flamengo was the duel he most wanted to win .

LEO ORTIZ MOMENT

A key player in Flamengo 's defense, Léo Ortiz is in great form in 2025. Playing alongside Léo Pereira for much of the season, while Danilo was recovering from injury, the defender has already played 40 games, scored four goals and provided two assists this year.

LUIZ HENRIQUE'S RETROSPECT AGAINST FLAMENGO

Discovered by Fluminense and with a notable stint at Botafogo, Luiz Henrique faced Flamengo 12 times, with a balanced result: five wins, two draws and five defeats, totaling 47.2% success against Rubro-Negro.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT CHALLENGE

Flamengo returns to the field this Wednesday (20), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), against Internacional, at Beira-Rio, for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. Mengão won the first leg 1-0 and can even draw to guarantee qualification . A Colorado victory by one goal difference takes the decision to penalties.

Flamengo will decide this Saturday (23) the title of the U-20 Club World Cup against Barcelona (ESP), at 4:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. Globo announced that it will broadcast the match on open TV , changing the afternoon schedule to prioritize the duel.

The network canceled the Afternoon Session and moved Caldeirão with Mion to 2:50 p.m. Gustavo Villani will be the narrator, with commentary by Maestro Júnior and Paulo Nunes . In addition to Globo , SporTV will also broadcast the match.

HOW DOES FLAMENGO ARRIVE?

The red-and-black team will have reinforcements from the professionals. Matheus Gonçalves and Joshua return to the base, as well as defender João Victor, all at the disposal of coach Bruno Pivetti. Wallace Yan remains in the main squad . The decision was made by Filipe Luís, who used the youngster in the game against Internacional, last Sunday (17).

DECISION SERVICE

The clash between Flamengo x Barcelona for the final of the U-20 Club World Cup will be this Saturday (23), at 4:30 pm (Brasília time) at Maracanã . The match will be broadcast by Globo (open TV) and SporTV (closed TV).

AND THE PROFESSIONAL?

The top team, led by coach Filipe Luís, returns to the field this Wednesday (20) for the second game of the round of 16 of the Libertadores against Internacional , at Beira-Rio. The match is scheduled for 9:30 pm (Brasília time) and will be broadcast by Rede Globo (open TV), ESPN (closed TV) and Disney+.

The 2025 U-20 Intercontinental Cup final will pit Flamengo against Barcelona (ESP) this Saturday (23), at 4:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. Rubro-Negro is seeking its second title in the competition. This Monday (18), Conmebol announced the refereeing team for the clash.

ARBITRATION DEFINED

• Referee: Jhon Ospina (COL)
• Assistant 1: Richard Ortiz (COL)
• Assistant 2: David Fuentes (COL)
• Fourth official: Roberto Perez (PER)
• Fifth referee: Mary Blanco (COL)
• VAR: Augusto Menendez (PER)
• VAR Assistant: Milagros Arruela (PER)

HOW FLAMENGO ARRIVES

The U-20 team will be reinforced by the senior squad. Matheus Gonçalves, Lorran, and Joshua return to bolster the midfield and attack , while defender João Victor will also be available to coach Bruno Pivetti.

AND WALLACE YAN?

Unlike his teammates, Wallace Yan will remain part of the first team. The decision was made by coach Filipe Luís, who opted not to release the striker for the final against Barcelona , as he has been using him consistently in the first team.

DECISION DAY AT MARACANÃ

Flamengo , champion in 2024 after defeating Olympiacos (GRE), will attempt to win the title again against Barcelona, champion of the Youth League, the under-20 version of the Champions League. Kick-off is at 4:30 pm at the Maracanã stadium. The match will be broadcast on SporTV.

AND THE MAIN THING?

The top team, led by coach Filipe Luís, returns to the field this Wednesday (20) for the second game of the round of 16 of the Libertadores against Internacional, at Beira-Rio. The match is scheduled for 9:30 pm (Brasília time) and will be broadcast by Rede Globo (open TV), ESPN (closed TV) and Disney+.