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 has three former Atlético de Madrid players at the club, including the coach, and 'El Cholo' was in charge of all of them at the Spanish club.
17 Set 2025 | 11:37 |
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Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone was yet another foreigner to recognize Flamengo's greatness . In an interview with TNT Sports, the Argentine praised the Rio de Janeiro club when asked about the "colchonera community" that has been forming at Ninho do Urubu.
Simeone praises Filipe Luís' Flamengo: "It's always beautiful to see them play"
When asked by journalist Fred Caldeira if he follows the Rubro-Negro's games, Simeone explained that he cannot watch due to the time difference , but highlighted the historical importance of Flamengo in Brazilian football.
"The truth is, I haven't been following Brazil's games, honestly, mainly because of the time difference, which is very late. But I always have a huge affection for Filipe Luís, Samu Lino, and Saúl . And Flamengo , the truth is, is a historic team in Brazil and around the world. It's always beautiful to watch them play," said the coach.
In fact, the time difference is a barrier for those who live in Europe and want to follow Flamengo. The duel against Estudiantes (ARG), this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), will start at 2:30 am on Friday (19) in Madrid.
Beyond the praise, Filipe Luís's future in European football remains a topic of discussion. The Flamengo coach was once the target of interest from Fenerbahçe (TUR), but he declined the offer. Some in the Spanish press and Atlético Madrid fans are also speculating about a possible link between the former full-back and Atlético Madrid , the club Simeone has been with for over 13 years.
If the Argentine leaves the team, the chances of rumors of a future approach to the Flamengo coach increase . Meanwhile, Filipe remains at Flamengo, seeking the biggest achievements of the 2025 season.
Mengão's executive director details the behind-the-scenes of the attempt to hire Irish players, cites timing errors and criticizes the Brazilian football management model.
17 Set 2025 | 11:32 |
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After investing nearly R$300 million in the last transfer window, Flamengo faced a behind-the-scenes episode involving its attempt to sign Mikey Johnston from West Bromwich . The Rio de Janeiro club intended to pay £5 million (approximately R$37 million) for the Irish striker, but the deal was vetoed by president Bap.
In an interview with the UOL portal, executive director José Boto stated that the timing of the negotiations influenced the fans' perception and ultimately derailed the deal. " I think it was a matter of timing, because if he hadn't been the first, if he had been between Saúl and Samuel Lino, the fans might have reacted differently. Obviously, the job of scouting is to bring in players nobody knows," Boto said.
Flamengo director criticizes Brazilian football management: "There is a deep-rooted culture..."
The Portuguese manager also emphasized that Brazilian clubs still need to change their hiring mindset. " There's a deep-rooted culture in Portugal that Brazil will have to adopt sooner or later . Many clubs will have to start managing more according to the team's real needs than to the media or fans," he stated.
José Boto's first signing, Juninho has only scored three goals in 27 appearances for Flamengo, starting seven of them. He has not played since the 1-1 draw with Ceará on August 3rd and has not been included in the squad.
With a reinforced squad, Flamengo returns to the field this Thursday (18) to face Estudiantes, from Argentina , in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. The match takes place at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã.
The decisive clash in Argentina for the Libertadores is expected to have a full house and Mengão fans can now purchase tickets.
17 Set 2025 | 10:38 |
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Flamengo began selling tickets this Wednesday (17) for the second leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals against Estudiantes at the Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium in La Plata (ARG). Tickets are available exclusively on the club's official platform : ingressos.flamengo.com.br .
Tickets will be sold in phases, according to the fan membership plans. The first group served is the Nation Without Borders group, aimed at fans from outside Rio de Janeiro, in addition to members of the Nação Maraca 1 (1-star) plan .
The visitor ticket costs R$250.96 . The price is made up of R$182.86 (ticket) + R$61.70 (Income Tax Withheld at Source – 33.33%) + R$6.40 (IOF – 3.5%). Fees are mandatory for international purchases.
The QR Code will only be available on the day of the match on the official Estudiantes website ( ticketing.estudiantesdelaplata.com ). To obtain it, you'll need to register using the same information you provided when purchasing : first name, last name, CPF (Brazilian taxpayer ID), and email address.
Before the duel in La Plata, Maracanã will already be full. All tickets for the first leg against Estudiantes, this Thursday (18), were sold two days in advance. More than 69,000 fans will be present, in what should be Flamengo's largest crowd in this edition of the Libertadores . The expectation is to repeat the performance of the round of 16, when the team eliminated Internacional with two wins and secured qualification by an aggregate score of 3-0.
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