“DEPENDS ON WHO IS DRIVING”, SAMPAOLI TALKS ABOUT STAYING AT FLAMENGO

Midfielder Matheus Gonçalves, formerly of Flamengo , made his winning debut for Al-Ahli, from Saudi Arabia, this Monday (15). The Brazilian came on at half-time and was decisive in the team's comeback, which turned the game around to 4-2 over Nasaf Qarshi, from Uzbekistan, in the Asian Champions League. Al-Ahli went into the break with a 2-0 deficit. After the match, the player celebrated the positive start at his new club:

Matheus Gonçalves, ex-Flamengo: "It's just the beginning of a journey of hard work and achievements"

"It was a very special night for me. Making my debut in such an important competition and being able to help the team achieve a victory like this makes me very happy . The group showed strength and unity to seek a comeback, and I'm sure this is just the beginning of a journey of hard work and achievements here at Al-Ahli," said the Mengão youth player.

RECENT BUSINESS

Sold by Flamengo in August 2025, for 8 million euros (around R$ 50 million), Matheus arrives as one of Al-Ahli's bets for the season . The next challenge will be on Friday (19), against Al-Hilal, for the Saudi Championship.

Revealed as a professional in October 2022, Matheus Gonçalves has won important titles with Flamengo : two Carioca Championships, the Brazilian Super Cup, and the Brazilian Cup. In total, he played 57 matches for the main team, winning 36, drawing eight, losing 13, and scoring six goals.

AND MENGÃO?

While Matheus Gonçalves seeks his place in Saudi Arabia, Flamengo faces Estudiantes this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã . The return game, in La Plata, is already scheduled for September 25. The match will be broadcast on ESPN (pay TV) and Disney+ (streaming) throughout Brazil.

Flamengo returns to the field this Thursday (18), when they face Estudiantes (ARG), at Maracanã, for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. Preparations for the match will be completed this Wednesday (17), with the last training session led by Filipe Luís , at Ninho do Urubu.

During the training session, scheduled for 3:30 pm (Brasília time), the red-and-black coach is expected to define the starting lineup. The most likely lineup includes: Rossi; Royal, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Ayrton Lucas; De La Cruz (Allan), Saúl, and Arrascaeta; Plata, Pedro (Bruno Henrique), and Samuel Lino . However, confirmation will only come after the afternoon training session.

Despite the team's tendency, Filipe Luís can make changes based on the squad's movement at the training center. The coach has a habit of not repeating lineups and prepares the team based on what he studies about the opponents.

TRANSMISSION

The duel between Flamengo and Estudiantes will not be shown on free-to-air TV and will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN (pay TV) and Disney+ (streaming) , but fans will be kept up to date with all the details of the match on Gazeta do Urubu.

RETURN GAME

The return match takes place next Thursday (25), at the Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium, in La Plata, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time). The victory at Maracanã is considered crucial for Flamengo to arrive in Argentina with an advantage in the fight for a place in the Libertadores semifinals.

In a press conference at Ninho do Urubu, goalkeeper Agustín Rossi spoke about his desire to be called up to the Argentina national team , the current world champion. Despite his dream, the goalkeeper made it clear that his priority remains Flamengo.

Rossi on his dream of joining the Argentine national team: "My job is for Flamengo"

"Obviously, I've always wanted to be called up. I think Brazilian football is very strong, not only in South America, but worldwide as well. In the last call-up, there were players from here. But I'm not thinking about that right now . I think that if I do my job well, that call-up could come," Rossi stated.

TOTAL FOCUS ON FLAMENGO

The Argentine stressed that he keeps his feet on the ground and that his main goal is to continue showing consistency for the Rubro-Negro , who have the best defense in the Brasileirão, conceding only 10 goals in 22 games. At Maracanã, the Mais Querido conceded only three goals.

"I'm in no rush, because my job is for Flamengo , day to day, game to game. My biggest focus is to maintain this streak so that the call-up can come. Of course I have that desire, but I don't treat it as a requirement . I'm Flamengo's goalkeeper, I'm responsible for Flamengo. If the call-up comes, I'll welcome it," he added.

INCOME AND TITLES WITH THE MANTLE

Since joining Flamengo in 2023, Rossi has already won four titles. Last season, he was a key player in the undefeated Carioca Championship and also played in the Copa do Brasil victory. In 2025, he maintained his starting spot in the Supercopa do Brasil and the Campeonato Estadual . In total, he has represented Flamengo in 125 official matches, establishing himself as a pillar of the team.