
Soccer
José Boto reveals behind the scenes of Gerson's departure from Flamengo: “sensation…”
16 Set 2025 | 09:22
Soccer
21 Mai 2024 | 12:52 |
Flamengo is in the final stages of preparation to face Amazonas FC this Wednesday (22), at 9:30 pm, at Arena da Amazônia, in a game that defines qualification for the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. After resuming good football and gaining a free week to train, Rubro-Negro faces an opposing squad motivated to make history in a club founded five years ago.
In a team with many experienced names who have had spells at football greats Brazilian, the highlight is perhaps the one that had less prominence. Former Vasco striker William Barbio is the team's top scorer this season and a great hope of qualifying against Flamengo.
There are seven goals in 21 matches this year, an average of 0.3 per match. He is tied with Sassá as the team's top scorer, but his teammate hasn't scored since March and he has tied the score during that time. Barbio plays mainly on the sides of the field and should be the main weapon in counterattack attempts against Fla. Tendency to act on the right attacking side and try to explore space behind Ayrton Lucas.
Coach Adilson Batista will have at least four absences for the match against Flamengo. They are: PH and Gustavo Ermel (recovery from surgery); Guilherme Mantuan (injury treatment) and Dentinho (physical conditioning). Furthermore, there is doubt about Sassá's condition.
The team's top scorer alongside William Barbio, the center forward is recovering from edema in his right groin suffered in the duel against Ponte Preta. He was absent from the team for three matches and is expected to return against Fla, but there is still no certainty about starting roles.
Thus, Amazonas' likely lineup against Flamengo is: Marcão; Patric, Miranda, Diogo Silva and Fabiano; Wendell, Xavier and Rafael Tavares; Matheus Serafim, William Barbio and Sassá (Bruno Lopes/Jô).
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Striker hits spectacular shot to secure three points for Raposa and Mengão's lead in the table remains at just three points
16 Set 2025 | 10:53 |
With a great goal at the end, Gabigol secured Cruzeiro's 2-1 victory over Bahia, on Monday night (15), at Arena Fonte Nova . The result kept the Minas Gerais team firm in the fight for the leadership of the Brasileirão , currently occupied by Flamengo.
The first half was evenly balanced, with few clear-cut chances for either side. After the break, Bahia surged forward and opened the scoring in the 20th minute. In a swift counterattack, former Flamengo player Jean Lucas received the ball at the edge of the box and shot into the bottom right corner of Cássio's net , putting the home side ahead.
Trailing, Cruzeiro made changes that changed the course of the game. The introduction of Sinisterra and Gabigol gave the team a boost. In the 31st minute, Matheus Pereira made a great individual play, dribbling past two defenders, and hitting the post . Sinisterra capitalized on the rebound to equalize.
The equalizer lifted the spirits of the Minas Gerais team, who went in search of a comeback. In the 40th minute, Gabigol received the ball in space in midfield and unleashed a left-footed volley . The ball went straight into the top corner, a stunning goal that sealed Cruzeiro's victory. In celebration, the forward removed his shirt and was subsequently booked.
With the win, Cruzeiro reached 47 points in 23 games, moving into second place. Flamengo remains the undisputed leader with 50 points and a game in hand . Palmeiras is also in contention, with 46 points and two games in hand.
The coach was approached by the Turkish club, but chose to stay at Mengão and the commentator says the choice was the right one
16 Set 2025 | 10:49 |
Coach Filipe Luís was in Fenerbahçe's (TUR) sights , but chose to remain at Flamengo. Former Flamengo captain Fábio Luciano, now a commentator, the choice was a wise one and further strengthens the coach's position at the club.
Fábio Luciano on Filipe Luís's decision to reject Fenerbahçe and stay at Flamengo: "I'm sure he's right"
Fábio Luciano highlighted Fenerbahçe's stature, but reinforced that Filipe Luís acted correctly in prioritizing Flamengo : "I'm sure he's right. All my respect to Fenerbahçe, a giant club in Turkey, which has signed great players, like goalkeeper Ederson. But Filipe is working very hard in his career. Besides his love for Flamengo , he knows he has great possibilities to continue making his mark on the history of a gigantic club," the former defender stated.
According to Fábio Luciano, the decision also reflects Flamengo's realistic chances of winning this season: " Flamengo is heading in that direction, based on their style of play, the squad they've assembled, and their ability . We're certain that Filipe has a long career ahead of him and that he's very thoughtful about his next steps. It's a great decision for Flamengo fans and for those who follow his work, because it adds a lot."
Finally, the former captain emphasized the importance of Filipe Luís's work in the team's development. "We talk about the quality of the squad, but everything is very interconnected. He has a big influence on Flamengo's style of play: high pressure, connection between players, collective confidence. He's systematic, knowledgeable about football, and fully adapted to the club . There's a lot of respect from the fans and the board for his work. And he knows the objectives he still has to achieve."
Now, the focus turns to the Libertadores. Flamengo faces Estudiantes this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã . The return game, in La Plata, is already scheduled for September 25. The match will be broadcast on ESPN (pay TV) and Disney+ (streaming) throughout Brazil.
The Spanish midfielder, who was about to sign with Trabzonspor, signed with Mengão after quick negotiations led by the director of the Rio de Janeiro club.
16 Set 2025 | 10:37 |
Saúl Ñíguez, one of Flamengo's key signings in the last transfer window, was very close to playing in Turkey before signing with the Rio de Janeiro club. Technical director José Boto revealed that the Spaniard had already reached an agreement with Trabzonspor , but the negotiations changed course overnight.
According to Boto, the opportunity arose shortly after Erick Pulgar's injury and Gerson 's departure. " Saúl emerged as a player capable of playing both roles; he was free on the market, but with a move to Trabzonspor almost certain ," he said.
He stated that the deal with the midfielder took place the night after the game against São Paulo. " That morning we managed to bring him to Brazil and not to where he was going, " he added in an interview with the UOL Esporte portal.
The change of direction proved positive for both Flamengo and the athlete. In a short time in Rio de Janeiro, Saúl won over the Flamengo fans and assumed a starting spot in midfield . His versatility has been crucial for the team, filling in for absences and strengthening the central midfield.
With Saúl available, Flamengo returns to the field this Thursday (18) to face Estudiantes , from Argentina, in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. The match takes place at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã.