Former Flamengo, Gabigol debuts this Wednesday for Cruzeiro - check it out

ESPN journalist André Galindo sparked debate by analyzing the current atmosphere at Maracanã , especially during Flamengo games . According to the commentator, the stadium has lost some of the intimidating atmosphere that characterized previous eras.

André Galindo, from ESPN: "At the old Maracanã, Flamengo was scary, but not anymore"

According to Galindo, the new Maracanã no longer commands the same respect from opponents as the old one. He recalled that, in the past, the pressure from the red-and-black fans made a difference on the field, something that seems to have weakened today.

" Flamengo at the New Maracanã is 'my house, your house.' There's no hostile atmosphere. At the old Maracanã, Flamengo was scary, but not anymore. The only stadium in Rio that can have a hostile atmosphere is São Januário . Other than that, no one can," he declared.

CRITICISM OF ORGANIZED FANS

The journalist also criticized the lack of synchronicity among organized fan groups. In his view, the lack of unity harms the atmosphere in the stands , previously considered one of the strongest in South America.

"Flamengo doesn't scare anyone in the stadium these days. The fans don't sing, the organized fans don't sing together; it's disorganized . At the old Maracanã, yes, the old Flamengo fans were scary, but nowadays they don't scare anyone," he added.

Senseless criticism

In the analysis, however, Galindo did not take into account important points: Flamengo remains alongside Mirassol as the only undefeated team at home in the 2025 Brasileirão. After the duel against São Paulo in the Brasileirão, the tricolor's coach, Hernán Crespo, even gave 'thanks to God' that he would not face Mais Querido again at Maracanã .

FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME

Despite the criticism, Maracanã will be the stage for another decision. Next Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), Flamengo hosts Estudiantes (ARG) for the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals.

Flamengo should have reinforcements for the clash this Thursday (17), at 9:30 pm, against Estudiantes , at Maracanã, for the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. Striker Bruno Henrique and full-back Varela are the main names that should return to the team after absences last Sunday (14), against Juventude, for the Brazilian Championship.

Bruno Henrique returns to the team after feeling pain and undergoing a load control, while Varela, who returned from the FIFA Date with pubalgia, trained normally this Tuesday (16) and should be included in the match.

CONFIRMED SHORTAGES

Despite the returns, Flamengo will still have significant absences. Midfielder Jorginho suffered a muscle edema in his left thigh and will miss the match against Estudiantes . Alex Sandro continues to treat a left calf injury.

In addition, midfielder Pulgar is in the final stages of recovery from surgery on his right foot and will have at least two weeks of physiotherapy training before rejoining the squad.

PROBABLE LINEUP

Flamengo 's likely lineup for the match is: Rossi; Royal (Varela), Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, Ayrton Lucas; Saúl, De La Cruz, Arrascaeta; Plata, Samuel Lino and Pedro.

Discussions about implementing financial fair play in Brazilian football continue to rage behind the scenes. This time, Flamengo's football director, José Boto, once again urged the CBF to implement the system in the country .

Flamengo's José Boto quips: "Financial fair play is something we should all do at home"

" People talk a lot about financial fair play, but they often don't know what it is . Financial fair play is something we should all practice at home: not spending more than we have. The problem is that some clubs engage in unfair competition, spending money they don't have, and leaving debts outstanding, including with players signed almost two years ago," he said in an interview with UOL.

Boto also highlighted that FIFA adopts strict penalties in cases involving European clubs, and argued that the same approach should be applied in Brazil: "When it involves European clubs, like Leixões or Estrela Amadora, FIFA takes action and they can't register anyone until they pay . This needs to be done here as well, otherwise it's unfair competition," he added.

FLAMENGO ALSO CHARGES INTERNACIONAL

In addition to the fair play debate, Flamengo is also actively involved in the CBF's National Chamber for Dispute Resolution (CNRD) . The club is suing Internacional for non-payment of Thiago Maia's purchase, which was made in 2024. The agreement was for €4 million (approximately R$25 million), divided into ten installments. However, almost two years later, with the midfielder already established in Porto Alegre, Flamengo has still not received the amounts owed.

WHAT IS FINANCIAL FAIR PLAY?

Financial fair play is a set of rules aimed at balancing clubs' finances, preventing them from spending more than they earn and avoiding excessive debt. Flamengo , which has been investing responsibly for years, is one of the supporters of this measure . On the other hand, clubs like Corinthians, Atlético-MG, and Botafogo could face difficulties in adapting to the system.