FLAMENGO CRIBE WANTS TO RETURN TO BRAZIL AND TALKS ABOUT RUBRO-NEGRO

Flamengo and Athletico-PR face each other this Sunday (29), at 8pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, in a duel valid for the 28th round of the Brazilian Championship. Shortly before the start of the match, coach Lucho Gonzalez confirmed the lineup of the team from Paraná, while the CRF also released its list of starters and absences for the clash.

On Athletico-PR's side, the team will start with Mycael in goal; Léo Godoy (Madson), Kaique Rocha, Thiago Heleno and Esquivel in the defense line; Erick, Christian and Zapelli in midfield; and Cuello, Canobbio and Mastriani (Pablo) forming the attack.

The Athletico- PR will have two important absences. Gabriel, suspended, and Fernandinho, injured, are out of the match. With the exception of these players, Lucho Gonzalez has the complete squad available to face Mais Querido.

Mengão is dealing with a greater number of absences. Pedro, Everton Cebolinha and Viña are out for the rest of the season due to injury. In addition to them, Michael (right thigh injury), Luiz Araújo (right knee) and Carlinhos (suspended) are also missing from the team.

The Rio team currently occupies fifth place in the Brasileirão, with 45 points. With one game less than their competitors, Mengão can close the gap on leader Botafogo, who has 57 points, reducing the disadvantage to nine points. The victory is also essential to keep the team in the fight for a direct place in the next edition of the Copa Libertadores.

Flamengo and Corinthians face each other next Wednesday (2), in a duel valid for the Copa do Brasil. Before the decision, the São Paulo club faced São Paulo and was beaten 3-1. The São Paulo tricolor overtook Mais Querido in the fight for a direct place in the Copa Libertadores. Corinthians, who ended the game with two players sent off, were unable to avoid the setback.

It is important to highlight that even with Alvinegro's long participation in the Copa do Brasil, the team led by Ramón, is in Brasileirão relegation zone with just 28 points won. 

The game, played at the Mané Stadium Garrincha started in a balanced way, with few clear chances of goal in the first half. However, in the 45th minute, Calleri conceded a penalty after being brought down in the box. With the help of VAR, Fagner was expelled, and Lucas converted the penalty, opening the score for São Paulo.

At the beginning of the second half, Corinthians tried to react, but the difficulties increased after the expulsion of André Ramalho, who landed an elbow on Luciano. With two players less, the black and white team saw São Paulo increase the score in the 29th minute, with Arboleda scoring with a header.

Even with a goal from Yuri Alberto, who saved for Corinthians, the team from São Paulo sealed the victory in stoppage time, when André Silva scored the third goal. With the result, São Paulo reached 47 points, surpassing Flamengo, which now occupies fifth place with 45 points.

The 28th round of the Brazilian Championship brought important changes to the top of the table, especially for Flamengo. After Palmeiras' victory on Sunday (29), São Paulo beat Corinthians 3-1 and overtook Mais Querido in the fight for a direct place in the Copa Libertadores. Corinthians, who ended the game with two players sent off, were unable to avoid the setback.

The game, played at the Mané Garrincha Stadium, started in a balanced manner, with few clear chances to score in the first half. However, in the 45th minute, Calleri conceded a penalty after being brought down in the box. With the help of VAR, Fagner was sent off, and Lucas converted the penalty, opening the score for São Paulo.

At the beginning of the second half, Corinthians tried to react, but the difficulties increased after the expulsion of André Ramalho, who hit Luciano with an elbow. With two players less, the black and white team saw São Paulo increase the score in the 29th minute, with Arboleda scoring with a header.

Even with a goal from Yuri Alberto, who saved for Corinthians, the team from São Paulo sealed the victory in stoppage time, when André Silva scored the third goal. With the result, São Paulo reached 47 points, surpassing Flamengo, which now occupies fifth place with 45 points.

In addition to São Paulo's victory, the round also featured triumphs from Palmeiras and Fortaleza, who beat Atlético-MG and Cuiabá, respectively. Botafogo, leader of the competition, drew with Grêmio, a result that keeps CRF far from the fight for the title. Flamengo, who still has a game in hand, will need a quick recovery to avoid the preliminary phase of the Copa Libertadores and keep their dream of a direct place in the continental competition alive.