"I TRUST HIS CHARACTER A LOT", SAYS DIEGO RIBAS, FORMER FLAMENGO STAR, ABOUT GABIGOL

The current coach of Wolverhampton Wanderers (ENG), Portuguese Vítor Pereira, previously managed Corinthians and Flamengo in Brazil. Despite a strong campaign with the São Paulo club, the coach failed to win over the red-and-black fans and ended up having a stint marked by criticism . In an interview with ESPN, the coach spoke about his experience in the country.

Vítor Pereira on his time at Flamengo and in Brazil: "If I had a crystal ball to know the future"

"(My time in Brazil was) a life experience. We're always changing. If I had a crystal ball to predict the future, I would change something in my life. I made the decisions I felt I had to do, the decisions I had to make, " said Vítor Pereira.

He then added: "And they're part of life and our growth. I think we grow a lot in the moments when we're under pressure, when we suffer. I've had beautiful moments in Brazil and moments of suffering . It's part of football," the coach concluded.

A BRIEF SPENT AT FLAMENGO

Vítor Pereira arrived at Flamengo at the beginning of 2023, after the board, then chaired by Rodolfo Landim, opted to leave Dorival Júnior , coach who won the Libertadores and the Copa do Brasil in 2022. In charge of Rubro-Negro, Pereira lasted only three months.

In 18 matches, they recorded 10 wins, seven losses, and one draw, but suffered setbacks in every competition they competed in. Flamengo finished runner-up in the Carioca (losing to Fluminense), the Brazilian Super Cup (Atlético-MG), and the South American Recopa (Independiente del Valle) , as well as finishing third in the Club World Cup.

FLAMENGO TODAY

Now under the command of Filipe Luís, Flamengo is preparing for another challenge in the 2025 Brasileirão . This Monday (25), the team faces Vitória, at 9 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, in a duel valid for the 21st round.

Leader of the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo returns to the field this Monday (25) to face Vitória, at 9 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. Rubro-Negro will have the advantage of entering the field already aware of the results of Cruzeiro, Palmeiras and Bahia , direct competitors in the G-4.

HOW TO ARRIVE IN CRUISE AND BAHIA

On Saturday (23), Cruzeiro beat Internacional 2-1 at Mineirão and reached 41 points, reaching second place . On Sunday (24), Bahia beat Santos 2-0, reached 36 points and consolidated itself in fourth place.

AND PALMEIRAS?

Like Flamengo , Palmeiras plays this Monday (25). The São Paulo team hosts Sport, at Allianz Parque, at 7 pm . Currently with 39 points, it occupies the third position. In case of victory, it regains the second place, overtaking Cruzeiro.

FLAMENGO'S MISSION

Against Vitória, which is in 17th place, Flamengo is the favorite and will have the support of the nation at Maracanã . With a win, Filipe Luís's team will reach 46 points, opening up at least a four-point lead over the second-place team.

Another great night is expected at the Sacred Temple, with kick-off at 9 p.m. (Brasília time). While Mengão is in contention for the title, Vitória needs to score to escape the relegation zone . Leão is in 17th place with 19 points, the same number as the first team outside the relegation zone, Vasco.

Rio City Hall, through COR-Rio and CET-Rio, prepared a special traffic operation for the match between Flamengo and Vitória, this Monday (25), at 9 pm, at Maracanã, for the 21st round of the Brazilian Championship.

Road closures begin at 6:30 p.m. and continue until 1 a.m. on Tuesday (26). Parking restrictions on streets near the stadium are in effect from 10 a.m. on Monday . Fans are advised to use public transport.

SCHEDULED CLOSURES

From 6:30 pm to 1 am on Tuesday (26):

• Professor Eurico Rabelo Street;
• Artur Menezes Street;
• Counselor Olegário Street;
• Isidro de Figueiredo Street;
• Viscount of Itamarati Street (between São Francisco Xavier Street and Professor Eurico Rabelo Avenue);
• Maracanã Avenue, towards the Center (between São Francisco Xavier Street and Mata Machado Street).

From 7:30 pm to 1 am on Tuesday (26):

• Mata Machado Street (between Paula Sousa Street and Maracanã Avenue);
• Oduvaldo Cozzi Viaduct and accesses;
• Extension from King Pelé Avenue to Maracanã Avenue;
• Maracanã Avenue, towards Tijuca (between Rei Pelé Avenue and São Francisco Xavier Street).
• From 10:40 pm to 1 am on Tuesday (26):
• Professor Manoel de Abreu Avenue, towards the Center (between São Francisco Xavier Street and Rei Pelé Avenue);
• Dona Zulmira Street (between Professor Manoel de Abreu Avenue and São Francisco Xavier Street).

PARKING PROHIBITION (10am Monday to 1am Tuesday):

• Viscount of Itamarati Street (between São Francisco Xavier Street and Professor Eurico Rabelo Street);
• Isidro de Figueiredo Street;
• Artur Menezes Street;
• Counselor Olegário Street;
• Paula Sousa Avenue (left side, between São Francisco Xavier Street and Professor Eurico Rabelo Street).

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES

• Center/South Zone → Tijuca, Vila Isabel, Grajaú and Méier: use Paulo de Frontin Avenue + Doutor Satamini Street, or Bandeira Square + Mariz e Barros Street. For Méier, the best option is Visconde de Niterói Street.
• Tijuca, Grajaú and Vila Isabel → Center/South Zone: follow Conde de Bonfim Street and Haddock Lobo Street.
• Méier → Center/South Zone: the recommended route is via Rua Visconde de Niterói.