Cruzeiro will have an important return against Flamengo in the Brasileirão

Flamengo comes into the match on a high after a comeback victory over Corinthians in São Paulo. With 54 points, the Red-Blacks are looking to widen their gap over Cruzeiro , who sits in second place with 50.

Coach Filipe Luís, who completed a year in charge of the team, will have only one confirmed absence: Erick Pulgar. The Chilean midfielder, recovering from foot surgery , is still recovering physically. Michael is still doubtful.

Jorginho and Pedro, who were substitutes in the last game, are expected to return to the starting lineup . Varela, Alex Sandro, and Gonzalo Plata are also expected to start, giving Flamengo a more attacking lineup.

FLAMENGO ENDS PREPARATION

The red-and-black squad held their final training session this Wednesday (1st), at 3:30 pm, at Ninho do Urubu. It was the last opportunity for Filipe Luís to confirm the team that will take to the field at Maracanã in front of more than 70 thousand fans. The probable lineup includes Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Saúl, Jorginho and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino and Pedro.

TECHNICAL SHEET

26th round – Brazilian Championship

📆 Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025

⏰ Time: 8:30 pm (Brasília time)

📍 Location: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

📺 Broadcast: Premiere

Flamengo agreed to sell young attacking midfielder Matheus Gonçalves to Al-Ahli for 8 million euros (around R$50 million). The amount was to be paid upfront, but ended up being split into three annual installments between 2025 and 2027. According to information released by journalist Paparazzo Rubro-Negro, the first installment, scheduled to be paid by last Monday (30), was not deposited.

With the Arab team's delay, Flamengo is considering taking legal action to ensure compliance with the contract. The board fears that the Arab club will not honor its commitments , which could constitute a default.

The situation is concerning for Gávea, which was counting on the funds to bolster its cash flow. If the payment isn't regularized by October 4th, there's a chance the contract will be terminated and Matheus Gonçalves will return to the club.

CAN MATHEUS GONÇALVES RETURN?

Although he recently transferred, the player could return to Flamengo if the deal falls through. The board is closely monitoring the player's movements and is in contact with representatives of the player and Al-Ahli.

WHEN WILL FLAMENGO PLAY AGAIN?

Flamengo enters the field to defend its sole lead in the Brasileirão, with 54 points, four more than second-place Cruzeiro. A victory could extend the Flamengo's lead, while a victory for the Minas Gerais team would reduce the gap to just one point.

Flamengo enters the field to defend its sole lead in the Brasileirão, with 54 points, four more than second-place Cruzeiro. A victory could extend the Flamengo's lead, while a victory for the Minas Gerais team would reduce the gap to just one point.

Maracanã is expected to welcome over 70,000 fans , in a pre-match atmosphere. Besides its importance for the standings, the match also marks a symbolic reunion: Gabigol will return to the stadium for the first time since leaving Flamengo, now wearing the sky-blue jersey.

REUNION WITH GABIGOL

The duel promises intense emotions for the Flamengo fans . Gabigol, a longtime Flamengo idol, returns to Maracanã in a new phase of his career , playing for Cruzeiro . In the first round, the striker was decisive, scoring the winning goal for Raposa, 2-1, at Mineirão.

Fans are expecting a high-level game, with ingredients that go beyond sporting rivalry : on one side, Flamengo 's fight to maintain its lead; on the other, Cruzeiro's attempt to close the gap and dream bigger about the cup.

TECHNICAL SHEET - FLAMENGO X CRUZEIRO

26th round – Brazilian Championship

📆 Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025

⏰ Time: 8:30 pm (Brasília time)

📍 Location: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

📺 Broadcast: Premiere

TEAM LINEUPS

Flamengo (Coach: Filipe Luis): Rossi; Varela, Leo Ortiz, Danilo (Leo Pereira) and Alex Sandro; Saul, Jorginho and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino and Pedro.

Cruzeiro (Coach: Leonardo Jardim): Cassio; William, Fabrício Bruno, Villalba and Kaiki; Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva and Matheus Pereira; Christian, Wanderson and Kaio Jorge.