DE LA CRUZ OR GERSON? TITE TALKS ABOUT WHO WILL BE THE STARTER AT FLAMENGO

In 2024, Rodolfo Landim's administration announced the purchase of the Gasômetro land and promised the delivery of the new stadium in 2029. However, during a meeting of the Deliberative Council held this Wednesday (17), president Luiz Eduardo Baptista (Bap) presented new data and stated that the arena will only be ready in 2036 .

MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE PROJECTS

Landim Project:

• Capacity: 78 thousand seats
• Estimated cost: R$ 3 billion
• Opening: 2029
• Financing model: revenue anticipation
• Predicted impact on football performance

Bap Project:

• Capacity: 72 thousand seats
• Estimated cost: R$2.2 billion
• Inauguration: 2036
• Financing model: generation of internal resources (savings)
• No impact on sports performance

Upon taking over the club in January, Bap stated that he would review all of the previous management's studies , particularly regarding deadlines and costs. At this Wednesday's meeting, the board presented the first updates.

FLAMENGO'S OFFICIAL POSITION

After the meeting, the club released a statement explaining the reasons for the schedule change. The statement emphasizes that it will take at least six years to make adjustments to the Gasômetro site: "The deadlines were also revised. The original schedule ignored essential steps, such as the relocation of Naturgy, which currently occupies 55% of the site , with a gas pumping substation for the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan region," Flamengo wrote.

“According to a statement from Naturgy sent to Flamengo on September 10, 2025, the estimated relocation time is four years, after obtaining a new address for the installation of the substation , which is the responsibility of the City Hall.”

WHERE WILL FLAMENGO PLAY UNTIL 2036?

Despite the seven-year delay compared to the initial forecast, the club sees no risk in the short term. This is because the Maracanã concession is guaranteed for another 19 years , ensuring Flamengo a permanent venue until its own stadium opens. Thus, by 2036, Flamengo will have two stadiums at its disposal.

Flamengo's fans continue to impress world football's biggest names . In 2019, Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk came face-to-face with the might of the Red-Black Nation at the FIFA Club World Cup final in Qatar. The atmosphere of that match left a lasting impression on the Dutch defender.

Liverpool's Van Dijk on Flamengo: "Their fans were incredible"

In an interview with TNT Sports, Van Dijk was asked about his knowledge of Brazilian football. The topic arose because striker Memphis Depay , a player for Corinthians and the Dutch national team, frequently talks to the defender about Brazil.

"I know very well the passion Brazilian fans have for their teams. We faced Flamengo in the Club World Cup in Qatar, and their support was incredible . Memphis also spoke to me several times about the Corinthians fans. We know how great Brazilian football is. I'm very proud of Memphis and hope he scores many goals for the national team," said the defender.

FLAMENGO X LIVERPOOL – THE 2019 MEETING

After eliminating Al-Hilal in the semifinals, Flamengo faced Liverpool again in a repeat of the 1981 final . However, Jorge Jesus's team failed to break down the English defense and lost in extra time. In the final, Van Dijk experienced one of the greatest moments of his career and was a key player in neutralizing the Flamengo attack. Players like Gabigol struggled against the defender's solidity.

MARACANÃ FULL FOR FLAMENGO X ESTUDIANTES

Almost six years after that duel, the Nation is preparing for another big night. Tickets for Flamengo vs Estudiantes, this Thursday (18), at Maracanã, for the first leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals , are already sold out . More than 69 thousand fans will support Filipe Luís' team, which is looking to open up an advantage before the decisive match in La Plata.

Flamengo said goodbye to the Women's Copa do Brasil after losing 1-0 to São Paulo, this Wednesday (17), at Morumbis. The Rio de Janeiro team even tried to react after falling behind on the scoreboard, but was unable to avoid elimination in the single duel of the round of 16. The decisive goal was scored by Duda Serrana, a standout for the São Paulo team.

In the first half, São Paulo dominated possession and adopted a more attacking approach , hindering Flamengo 's play. Flamengo struggled to exchange passes and impose their style. Even so, the visitors had the best chance of the first half: on a quick counterattack in the 30th minute, Duda had a good opportunity but shot wide.

DUDA SERRANA'S GOAL DECIDES

Early in the second half, a poor clearance by the Flamengo defense resulted in the game-clinching goal. The defense poorly cleared the ball, and Duda Serrana fired a precise shot from outside the box, leaving Flamengo's goalkeeper with no chance . From then on, the Rio de Janeiro team pushed forward and sought to press in the final minutes, relying primarily on set pieces and crosses, but failed to create any real chances.

ELIMINATION ENDS PARTICIPATION

With this result, Flamengo ends its Women's Copa do Brasil campaign with one win and one loss. The team received approximately R$90,000 for its participation in the round of 16. After the final whistle, members of the Flamengo coaching staff complained about the refereeing in the center of the field, but the result remained unchanged.

AND THE MALE?

Flamengo could take to the field with a different formation to face Estudiantes this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), for the CONMEBOL Libertadores. The duel, decisive for the club's ambitions in the continental competition, will be broadcast live on Disney+.