FORMER FLAMENGO, RODINEI RIPS PRAISE TO FLAMENGO AFTER WINNING THE TITLE WITH OLYMPIACOS

This last Sunday (29), a meeting between two goalkeepers trained by Flamengo took place in the first division of Portugal. With Gabriel Batista, Santa Clara beat Boavista, from César, 1-0 and rose to fourth place in the competition.

The confrontation was completely dominated by Santa Clara, which gained access to the elite last season and has had a surprising campaign so far. The goal of the match was scored by striker Vinícius Lopes. The result leaves Gabriel Batista's team with 15 points, behind only Sporting (1st), Porto (2nd) and Benfica (3rd). However, the two former Flamengo goalkeepers were the highlights.

This is because Gabriel Batista did little against Boavista, but he still saved the two balls that went towards the goal. Santa Clara's absolute starter, the archer was very involved with the ball at his feet.

César, who returned to play in an official match after almost two years, received a new chance this Sunday (29). Despite the defeat, the goalkeeper showed he was prepared to take on the position despite the long period of inactivity. He made three difficult saves during the 90 minutes, in addition to intervening outside the box.

The result of the match leaves Boavista de César in 16th place in the Portuguese Championship after seven rounds. The team only has five points, with one win, two draws and four defeats.

Last Friday (27), coach Dorival Júnior called up the 23 players who will represent the Brazilian team in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. However, Neymar was left out again, as he has not yet recovered from the serious illness. knee injury. However, the Canarinho coach admitted counting on the striker in 2025.

Dorival Júnior and the general coordinator of the CBF men's teams, Rodrigo Caetano, preached patience regarding Neymar's return and highlighted that the date of return to the field is Al-Hilal's decision.

"We are realizing how important this player is. That in the coming years, from the moment he returns, we can enjoy one of the great players of world football at a landmark moment in his career and in our national team. Let's wait, we are patient, it doesn't matter if he can't return in October, November or only in February", said Dorival before completing.

< "He has to be confident, acting and, above all, completely clear about this injury, which was not simple, it demands time, respect for the procedures that were carried out. It's a matter of waiting and I hope that, in the future, we can enjoy the ability of an athlete like this", declared Dorival.

AWAY FROM THE GRASS FOR ALMOST 1 YEAR

Neymar has been away from the field for 11 months and He has already started working with the ball, but still does not participate in activities with the other Al-Hilal athletes. 

Thus, the CBF plans to send representatives to Saudi Arabia soon to monitor the player's recovery. Even from a distance, the entity follows every step of the athlete's evolution, who has worked with the team's physical preparations.

Olympiacos (GRE) defeated Fiorentina (ITA) 1-0 in extra time this Wednesday (29) and became champions of the Conference League for the first time. Shortly after the match, Flamengo defender David Luiz published a message congratulating Rodinei, starter for the Greek team and who played for the red and black team.

“I told you it would be worth all the resignation , all dedication and that it wasn't too late for you to live a dream. You deserve it, brother. I love you. Always with you”, said David Luiz, on Instagram. The Flamengo defender's message was published shortly after Olympiacos' title was confirmed.

Rodinei participated in nine Olympiacos games in the Greek team's campaign for the Conference League title. Overall, the right-back who played for Flamengo provided an assist during this period. During the final, the former red-black player played an important role. This is because there were seven defensive actions, seven duels won and four correct shots.

In this way, Rodinei, who signed with Olympiacos permanently at the beginning of 2023, won his first international title in Europe. The player, who played for Flamengo and lifted countless cups, had never played for clubs outside of Brazil.

David Luiz started for Flamengo last Tuesday (28), in the 3-0 victory against of Millonarios (COL), in the last round of the Copa Libertadores group stage. The defender replaced Fabrício Bruno, who is leaving for West Ham (ING). Furthermore, the defender participated in a play that resulted in a goal.

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