Former Flamengo player reveals conversation with Runco after controversy with De La Cruz

Flamengo achieved an impressive feat under Filipe Luís. With the 2-0 victory over Internacional , this Wednesday (20), at Beira-Rio, the club reached 43 triumphs since October 2024 , becoming the team with the most victories in the world in that period.

Rubro-Negro overcame European football powers such as PSG, Real Madrid and Barcelona , who recorded 42, 39 and 37 victories, respectively, which further consolidates the numbers achieved since the coach began his work at Mengão.

RANKING OF TEAMS WITH THE MOST WINS SINCE OCTOBER 2024

• Flamengo: 43 wins
• PSG: 42 wins
• Real Madrid: 39 wins
• Barcelona: 37 wins

QUALIFIED IN THE LIBERTADORES

In addition to the record, Flamengo also confirmed its place in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores . The team eliminated Internacional with two victories: 1-0 at Maracanã and 2-0 at Beira-Rio. In the next round, they will face Estudiantes (ARG).

THREE WINS IN A ROW OVER INTER

Internacional has been one of the main victims of Mais Querido in 2025. In less than a month, there were three consecutive defeats to the team from Rio Grande do Sul, with an aggregate score of 6-1 in the following clashes between the two teams:

• 1-0 in the first leg of the Libertadores round of 16;
• 3 to 1 for the Brazilian Championship;
• 2-0 in the second leg of the Libertadores.

NEXT APPOINTMENT

Now, Flamengo turns its attention to the Brazilian Championship. The next game will be against Vitória, on Monday (25), at 9 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. The match will be broadcast on Premiere (pay-per-view) and SporTV (closed channel).

Flamengo's squad had Friday (22) off , but Arrascaeta didn't stop taking care of himself. Even without scheduled activities at Ninho do Urubu, the number 10 showed concern about the sequence of games of the season and carried out special treatment at home.

On social media, the Uruguayan posted a video in which he appears to be receiving a procedure on his right thigh , similar to a localized massage. The session was conducted by Laniyan Neves, the club's physiotherapist .

HOW IS THE SITUATION IN ARRASCAETA?

The midfielder is not injured. After enjoying the break, he will return to the squad as normal this Saturday (23), at 9:30 am , at Ninho do Urubu in preparation for the game against Vitória and there is an expectation that he will be a starter for the match.

THE URUGUAYAN'S MOMENT IN THE SEASON

Arrascaeta is enjoying one of his best spells for Flamengo . He has not only reached 100 assists , equaling idols like Zico, Júnior, and Adílio, but also scored 15 goals in 2025, leaving him just three shy of his best year with the club, in 2019.

Last Wednesday (20), he was decisive again: he scored the first goal in the victory over Internacional, at Beira-Rio , in the round of 16 of the Libertadores. With the triumph, confirmed with Pedro's goal, Mais Querido advanced to the quarterfinals, where they will face Estudiantes (ARG).

WHAT IS FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME?

With Arrascaeta available, Flamengo returns to the field this Monday (25), at 9 pm (Brasília time), against Vitória, at Maracanã, for the 21st round of the Brasileirão. The match will be broadcast by Premiere (pay-per-view) . Mengão is the leader of the competition with 43 points, while Vitória opens the relegation zone with 19.

The Crias do Ninho continue preparing for the big decision of the U-20 Club World Cup , which takes place this Saturday (23), against Barcelona (ESP) , at Maracanã. On the other side, the coach of the Spanish team, Juliano Belletti, celebrated the return to the stadium and highlighted the strength of Flamengo and the Nação Rubro-Negra.

Barcelona coach Belletti on Flamengo: "a great story with an impressive fan base"

"Being able to return to Maracanã, now as a coach, was something I saw as very difficult years ago. Today, returning to represent Barça, the club where I played and won titles , in front of a Flamengo team with a great history and an impressive fan base, is an experience that needs to be lived with the utmost intensity possible," Belletti told Lance!.

The coach also emphasized the importance of the match: " It will be Barcelona's first official game in Brazil in 125 years . And it will be at the Maracanã. More than anything, it's about representing the institution well, respecting Flamengo —the current Libertadores champion in this category—and showing what everyone expects: the club's DNA."

WILL FLAMENGO HAVE REINFORCEMENTS FOR THE FINAL?

Bruno Pivetti's team will have important reinforcements from the professional squad. João Victor, Matheus Gonçalves, Daniel Sales, and Lorran were released to join the under-20 group in the final . The Rubro-Negro won the title in 2024, defeating Olympiacos (GRE) 2-1 at Maracanã. Now, they will have the chance to win their second championship in front of their home fans.

WHEN IS THE GAME BETWEEN FLAMENGO AND BARCELONA?

The final between Flamengo and Barcelona, led by Belletti, takes place this Saturday (23), at 4:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, with a full house expected at the stadium. The match will be broadcast on Rede Globo (open TV) and SporTV (closed TV).