Soccer
16 Mai 2025 | 18:05 |
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In the 2-0 victory over LDU, which secured Flamengo's place in the round of 16 of the Libertadores, Nico De La Cruz's name once again gained traction among the team's standouts. Playing further back, as a second midfielder, the Uruguayan had a highly consistent performance and showed why he is a key player in Filipe Luis's scheme.
With 84 minutes on the field, the number 18 had one of his most balanced performances with the red-and-black jersey. He had a 92% pass accuracy rate (55 successful out of 60 attempted), in addition to two decisive passes and 100% success rate in long throws. The Uruguayan's heat map shows his presence in practically all areas of the midfield, both in the build-up and the recovery.
More than just numbers, the player's tactical reading is noteworthy. De La Cruz positions himself well between the lines, anticipates plays and provides constant support to those in possession. He is a modern midfielder who delivers intensity and intelligence. The 7.2 rating he received on Sofascore helps to reflect a performance that was almost error-free.
Filipe once again opted for a midfield with Pulgar, De La Cruz and Gerson, and the combination paid off. With freedom to move around, the Uruguayan was essential in the offensive fluidity, while also maintaining defensive balance. Since arriving, De La Cruz has been improving his performance, especially in the games in which he plays inside.
The match against LDU served as yet another example that Flamengo made the right decision in signing the midfielder. Almost R$78 million was invested, but the response on the field has been proportional to the expectations created. In addition to his technical skills, the Uruguayan's physical dedication is also noteworthy. Even in a fast-paced game, he remained in good shape until he was replaced in the 39th minute of the second half by Allan.
Mengão was eliminated from the Copa do Brasil by Atlético-MG in penalty kicks and is relegated again due to a lack of efficiency at the penalty spot.
07 Ago 2025 | 15:16 |
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The red-black fans said goodbye to the Copa do Brasil last Wednesday (06), despite the 1-0 victory over Atlético-MG in normal time . The result tied the match on aggregate, but the elimination came in the penalty shootout, once again unfavorable to Flamengo - something that has been repeated frequently in recent years.
Since the historic 2019 season, the club has played ten penalty shootouts, accumulating six losses and only four wins. The last time Flamengo prevailed was in the 2022 Copa do Brasil final , when they defeated Corinthians at the Maracanã stadium under Dorival Júnior.
Outside of the Copa do Brasil, Flamengo now turns its attention to its two main objectives of the year: the Campeonato Brasileiro and the Copa Libertadores . Flamengo currently leads the Brasileirão with 37 points and a game in hand over the second-place team. In the Libertadores, Filipe Luís's team will face Internacional in the round of 16, seeking a spot among the top eight in the Americas.
Flamengo's next match will be this Saturday (09), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time) , against Mirassol, at Maracanã, for the 19th round of the Brasileirão. The match is decisive to maintain the leadership of the competition before the start of the second round.
Mengão fell in the national knockout stage with the striker missing one of the penalties in the dispute and his teammate comes to his friend's defense
07 Ago 2025 | 14:43 |
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Flamengo beat Atlético-MG 1-0 last Wednesday (06), at Maracanã, but ended up eliminated from the Copa do Brasil after the draw on aggregate and the defeat on penalties. One of the penalty takers who wasted his chance was young Wallace Yan , who received public support from Matheus Gonçalves right after the game.
In a post on Instagram stories, Matheus, who also graduated from Ninho do Urubu, left a message of encouragement to his teammate: " We're together. Keep your heads up. We need you ," declared the number 20.
The two have played together since the youth teams and are seeking to establish themselves in Flamengo's professional squad. This solidarity demonstrates the group's unity in the face of a difficult time. Coach Filipe Luís and midfielder Jorginho also expressed their support for the striker.
Wallace Yan, a starter in the second leg, had the chance to decide the match. In the 36th minute of the second half, after a cross from Samuel Lino, the ball deflected off the defense and fell to the number 64, who nearly scored with a header . In the penalty shootout, however, the youngster ended up missing his shot—just like Samuel Lino—sealing the red-and-black team's elimination.
Wallace was also one of the protagonists of the match, due to his taunts and verbal exchanges with Atlético-MG players, which further increased the spotlight on his performance . Filipe Luís defended the player's character after the team's elimination from the Copa do Brasil.
In search of emotional and sporting recovery, Flamengo returns to the field this Saturday (09), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), against Mirassol , at Maracanã, for the 19th round of the Brazilian Championship. The expectation is that Wallace Yan will continue to receive support from the cast and the coaching staff.
After a series of absences and a rejected proposal from Mundo Árabe, the striker sees his exit from Mais Querido as likely and awaits further proposals.
07 Ago 2025 | 14:41 |
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Michael's continued presence at Flamengo is increasingly uncertain. The 29-year-old striker, who has been underutilized by coach Filipe Luís, may be close to leaving the club. The arrival of Samuel Lino, coupled with stiff competition from Bruno Henrique and Cebolinha , has further reduced his chances in the squad.
Since the draw against Los Angeles FC on June 24th in the Club World Cup, the player has not returned to the field . And, after being left off the bench against São Paulo on July 12th, his future has been discussed behind the scenes at the Rio de Janeiro club.
Flamengo recently received an offer from Saudi Arabia's Al Ula. The foreign club offered a one-year loan deal, with a payment of $2.5 million (approximately R$14 million) , plus the option to buy him at the end of the contract.
Despite the high prices, the club's board chose to reject the offer. This information was revealed by journalist Venê Casagrande, who noted that the negotiation model did not please the executives. Michael also expressed no interest in accepting the terms of the Saudi contract.
Internally, Flamengo believes that releasing the player on loan does not meet the club's current sporting and financial objectives . Therefore, a permanent departure or another type of agreement could be reevaluated soon.
After recovering from an ankle injury, Michael was available again for the decisive match against Atlético-MG in the Copa do Brasil. However, he wasn't even included in the squad due to a technical decision. This scenario reinforces the idea that he could be released in the coming days.
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