Filipe Luís and José Boto establish Flamengo's priority in the market - says journalist

Flamengo hosts Internacional this Wednesday (13), at Maracanã , for the first leg of the round of 16 of the Conmebol Libertadores. Before the duel in Rio de Janeiro, Zico analyzed the confrontation, praised both teams and highlighted the importance of the home factor for Mais Querido.

Zico previews the duel: "In recent years, Flamengo and Internacional have played great matches"

"It's a remarkable game, it's a shame that a Brazilian team has to say goodbye to the competition. In recent years, Flamengo and Internacional have played great matches, and , fortunately for us, most of the victories have been ours ," Zico said in an interview with Rádio Gaúcha.

The Flamengo idol also highlighted the evenly matched performance and both teams' positive home records: "Playing at Maracanã, Flamengo always comes in as a slight favorite, but not overly so . In knockout matches, just like in the South, Inter also has its strengths. If you look at the teams' home records, their success rates are always very high," concluded the Galinho de Quintino.

FLAMENGO'S PERFORMANCE AS HOME TEAM

This season, Flamengo has been consistent at Maracanã. Under Filipe Luís, the team has played 23 matches at the stadium, winning 16 , drawing three, and losing only four. In the Brasileirão, Mengão has conceded just two goals at home.

DATE, TIME AND TRANSMISSION

Flamengo x Internacional will be played this Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the first leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores. The match will be broadcast by Rede Globo (open TV), ESPN (closed TV) and Disney+ (streaming).

Striker Vitinho, recently signed by Corinthians , was officially presented at the São Paulo club this Tuesday. The former Flamengo player highlighted the warm welcome he received from Hugo Souza, Gustavo Henrique and Matheuzinho , players who played alongside him at Rubro-Negro.

"Matheuzinho (full-back) kept asking me if I was coming and I couldn't talk. He was a bit anxious, he wanted me to come and be here with him. They welcomed me with open arms, and that makes things much easier. I had this moment of welcoming them to the base. And now it's the other way around. Gustavo Henrique (defender) is someone with whom I have a very good relationship. It's good to be here with them," said Vitinho.

EX-FLAMENGO AWAITS DEBUT

Despite his expected debut, Vitinho still doesn't have a confirmed date for his appearance for Corinthians . The striker emphasized that he needs time to adapt and be fully prepared physically.

Former Flamengo player Vitinho admits his anxiety at Corinthians: "I'm looking forward to my debut"

"I'm really looking forward to starting to play. But I really need some time. The staff is very qualified to get me in playing condition. I'm looking forward to making my debut, in the best possible conditions , given the situation we're experiencing today," said the new number 29.

PASSAGE THROUGH FLAMENGO

Vitinho played for Flamengo between 2018 and 2022, winning nine titles during his time there, including the Brasileirão, Copa Libertadores, Supercopa do Brasil, and Campeonato Carioca. At the São Paulo club, he reunites with former teammates with whom he played for Flamengo 's youth academy and first team, strengthening his connection with the group.

21-year-old striker Matheus França is on Cruzeiro's radar for the remainder of the season. Revealed by Flamengo and sold for €20 million two years ago , the player lost his place at Crystal Palace and is negotiating the possibility of playing on loan in Brazilian football. Negotiations are still in their early stages, but there has already been contact between the player's representatives and the club's board.

A standout in the Brazilian national team's youth ranks, Matheus França was promoted to Flamengo's senior team in 2022, scoring six goals in the victorious Libertadores and Copa do Brasil campaigns. In 2023, under Vítor Pereira, he maintained strong performances, with three goals and an assist in the first half of the year , before moving on to the Premier League.

The sale to Crystal Palace was brokered by John Textor, who was impressed by the youngster's performance in an under-20 match against Botafogo. The deal included a fixed €20 million and an additional €5 million in bonuses for targets that were not met.

INJURIES AND LACK OF SPACE

Physical problems, such as back and thigh injuries, limited the Brazilian's adaptation to English football. In two seasons, Matheus França played 19 matches, scoring one goal and providing one assist. Despite being part of the FA Cup-winning squad, he missed key moments , such as the recent Super Cup against Liverpool, when he wasn't even included in the squad.

CRUISE PRIORITIZES AGREEMENT

Cruzeiro sees the loan as an opportunity to strengthen its squad without a significant immediate investment. The goal is for the player to get more playing time , while Crystal Palace seeks a destination that will favor his development. The deal's completion will depend on the English club's willingness to facilitate the transfer.