Flamengo, Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, can play in Saudi Arabia, says journalist

Atlético-MG secured a place in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil by eliminating Flamengo in a penalty shootout on Wednesday night (6) at Arena MRV. Despite the 1-0 defeat in normal time, Galo won the penalty shootout, winning 4-3. The game's goal was scored by Everton Cebolinha, still in the first half.

Right after the final whistle, Atlético investor Rubens Menin celebrated effusively backstage at the stadium, praising the fans and taking the opportunity to taunt the Rio de Janeiro club. " This is the third time we've 'gobbled up' by Flamengo. There was the Copa do Brasil, where we beat them 4-1, the Super Cup, and now. There's no doubt about it. It's good. Three times for Flamengo is good," said the businessman.

FLAMENGO IS THE FIRST CHAMPION OF THE ARENA DO GALO

Despite the provocation, Flamengo also has reason to be proud of its recent history. In 2024, the Rio de Janeiro club defeated Atlético-MG in the final and became the first team to win a title inside the new MRV Arena, a feat that remains in the history of Atlético's new home. On that occasion, Flamengo won 2-1 in Rio de Janeiro, and 1-0 in Minas Gerais.

FLAMENGO FOCUSES ON THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

With the elimination from the Copa do Brasil, Rubro-Negro now turns its attention to the other two competitions it still competes in this season: the Brazilian Championship and the Copa Libertadores da América.

Leader of the Brasileirão with 37 points, the team led by Filipe Luís faces Mirassol next Saturday (09), at 6:30 pm , at Maracanã, for the 19th round of the competition. The expectation is a full house, with the fans supporting the team in the search for maintaining the leadership.

Flamengo striker Bruno Henrique will be tried at the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) on charges of forcing a yellow card to benefit bettors during the match against Santos, in the 2023 Brazilian Championship . The trial is scheduled to take place in early September.

Although there is no official date yet, the case was forwarded to the 1st Disciplinary Committee of the STJD, whose next session takes place on August 18. However, due to the large volume of cases on the agenda, Bruno Henrique's trial was postponed to the next session, scheduled for September 1 (Monday), according to information from the newspaper O Globo.

WILL BRUNO HENRIQUE BE ABLE TO PLAY?

With this, the player is cleared to play in the two matches against Internacional , valid for the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores, on August 13th and 20th . Starting in September, however, the athlete may become a significant absence, depending on the outcome of the case. The complaint is still under review, and the athlete will have the right to a full defense before any trial.

The STJD Prosecutor's Office framed the player under two articles of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD):

• Article 243, §1: provides for a suspension of 360 to 720 days for those who commit serious infractions related to sports ethics.
• Article 243-A: deals with conduct intended to influence the results of matches, events or competitions, with a penalty of 12 to 24 games suspension.

Flamengo's Bruno Henrique defended: "He was punished with a card in a play in which, obviously, there wasn't even a foul"

WHAT DOES BRUNO HENRIQUE'S DEFENSE SAY?

" Bruno Henrique was booked for a play in which, obviously, there wasn't even a foul. The claim that receiving a card for this play—in which there wasn't even a foul—was intended to influence the outcome of the match or the championship is absurd . The Superior Court of Justice (STJD) itself had previously dismissed a case based on the same allegations. The player's defense will demonstrate that this new complaint should also be dismissed," the player's representatives told the Coluna do Fla website.

Atlético-MG advanced to the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil by beating Flamengo on penalties 4-3, after a draw in normal time, this Wednesday (06), at Arena MRV. With the classification, Galo de Cuca remains alive in the tournament , while Mais Querido says goodbye to the competition early.

After the match, coach Cuca showed respect for his opponent and, in a press conference, praised Filipe Luís 's work at the helm of the Rio de Janeiro club. The Atlético coach didn't mince words when highlighting the former full-back's talent as a coach:

Cuca praises Flamengo's Filipe Luís: "He's the greatest promise of Brazilian football"

"It's very difficult to play against Flamengo. They have a very well-defined game plan. Flamengo now has a young coach who, without a doubt, is the greatest promise we have in Brazilian football," said Cuca.

CUCA ANALYZES FILIPE LUÍS' POTENTIAL

The Atlético-MG manager then added: "If the guys are calm and patient with him, we know that the path for him will be the Brazilian national team, because he is studious, he prepares himself, he is increasingly wanting to improve and he brings a lot of difficulties for us. We left today very happy to have been able to beat such a strong opponent ," he concluded.

FLAMENGO FOCUSES ON THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

With elimination from the Copa do Brasil, Flamengo turns its attention to the Campeonato Brasileiro and Copa Libertadores, where it is still seeking titles this season. In the Brasileirão, the team leads with 37 points , demonstrating consistency under Filipe Luís, despite the recent setback.