Ecuador faces Colombia in the qualifiers with Gonzalo Plata, from Flamengo, as the likely starter

Flamengo opened the scoring against Juventude this Sunday (14), at the Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, in Caxias do Sul, for the Brazilian Championship. Despite controlling possession, the team had not yet created clear chances until a play on the left changed the course of the first half.

Galvão Bueno on Saúl's assist in the Juventude vs Flamengo match: "He doesn't make a cross, he passes it to Arrascaeta's head"

THE GOAL PLAY

Samuel Lino accelerated down the left wing and found space to cross into the box. Spaniard Saúl Ñíguez, with great technique, delivered a precise pass to Arrascaeta's head , who rose through the opposing defense and finished firmly: 1-0 to Flamengo .

GALVÃO BUENO HIGHLIGHTS THE QUALITY OF SPANISH

During the Prime Video broadcast, the commentator was full of praise for the play and, especially, for the Spanish midfielder: "All it takes is one space for this Flamengo team to be unmarked, and this happens. And this guy, Saúl, knows how to play football! He doesn't just cross, he passes it to Arrascaeta, who times the ball perfectly and gets between the defenders to score," extolled Galvão Bueno.

SAÚL REFLECTS ON HIS TIME AT FLAMENGO

After the 2-0 win, Filipe Luís stated in a press conference that Saúl's performance could be "the best of his career." The Spaniard, however, disagreed and reflected on his experience in Brazil.

"I don't think so. I've had some really good moments in terms of everything, but right now I feel really good mentally . I'm lucky to have my family with me, accompanying me on this adventure. I know it's not easy for them, because I go out to train, spend time with my teammates, and enjoy what I do, but for those who are by our side, it's different. It's not easy to leave our country or any place. They do it for us, and I'm very grateful for that," said the number 8.

After defeating Juventude in the Brazilian Championship , Flamengo will have a busy week with matches in the Copa Libertadores and Brasileirão. Flamengo faces Estudiantes in the quarterfinals of the CONMEBOL Libertadores . The first leg will be held at the Maracanã on September 18th at 9:30 pm (Brasília time).

This will be the ninth official meeting between the teams. In the previous eight, Mengão won three, drew four, and suffered only one defeat against the Argentines. The semifinals will be determined in the second leg in Argentina.

CLASSIC AGAINST VASCO

After the Libertadores, Flamengo returns to the Brasileirão and faces Vasco at Maracanã on September 21st at 5:30 pm, in the 24th round . This will be the fifth meeting between the rivals in 2025. In the Carioca, Flamengo won all three games, and in the first round of the national championship, the derby ended goalless.

FLAMENGO WEEK AGENDA

Flamengo has released its professional football schedule for the week of September 15-21. After beating Juventude and ending a 28-year away drought, the team now focuses on crucial matches in the CONMEBOL Libertadores and Brazilian Championship.

Training will take place at CT George Helal on four dates : Tuesday (16/09), at 9:30 am; Wednesday (17/09), at 3:30 pm; Friday (19/09), at 3:30 pm; and Saturday (20/09), at 9:30 am. There are no activities scheduled for Monday (15/09).

The final stretch of preparation for the World Cup is approaching. With the qualifiers over , the Brazilian national team will now focus solely on friendlies until the final squad is named . Some certainties are already beginning to take shape in Carlo Ancelotti's mind, as he has secured key players for the World Cup.

Ancelotti on Vini Jr's place at the World Cup: "If he's okay, yes"

VINICIUS JR. AND RODRYGO WITH ASSURED SPOT

In an interview with ESPN, the Italian coach didn't hesitate when talking about the Real Madrid duo: "A guaranteed spot? If he's healthy, yes ( Vini will go to the World Cup). He has to be at his best. (Rodrygo) too . If he's at his best, Rodrygo is a very good player. You can't talk to me about Rodrygo and Vini. I won Champions Leagues with them," Ancelotti stated.

STÊVÃO GAINS SPACE

Another name that stands out is Estêvão, formerly of Palmeiras and now at Chelsea. The coach highlighted the young man's personality and his quick adaptation to the Premier League: "I really like Estêvão, he has character, and he's started well. Not only for this World Cup, but he will be very important for the future of the national team, " he assessed.

THE ENDRICK CASE

Endrick, however, is experiencing a different scenario. Ancelotti knows the striker well from his Real Madrid days, but admits that the fierce competition has hindered his development: "Well, Endrick is like Estêvão. He's a great talent. I think Estêvão was lucky. The problem with young players who go to Europe is that they have a leading role here, but not much of a leading role there . I coached Endrick for a year and really liked him as a person, as a professional," he explained.

WHAT'S AHEAD

Until the final call-up, the team will play six friendlies. The first two will be played in October in Asia:

• South Korea vs. Brazil – October 10, 8 a.m. (Brasília time)
• Japan vs Brazil – October 14th, at 7:30 am (Brasília time)