Soccer

Filipe Luís exposes differences for Europe after Flamengo x Bayern

Mengão coach does not hide the power seen by high-standard European teams and only finds an unlikely solution to reduce the gap

Filipe Luís is honest when talking about Flamengo's elimination against Bayern and how to reduce the distance to Europe - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo
Filipe Luís is honest when talking about Flamengo's elimination against Bayern and how to reduce the distance to Europe - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo

30 Jun 2025 | 11:09 |

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Coach Filipe Luís did not seek easy excuses for Flamengo's elimination from the Club World Cup. After the 4-2 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the red-and-black commander made a harsh and surgical diagnosis of the chasm that currently separates Brazilian and European football.


TACTICAL PLAN WORKED, BUT INDIVIDUAL QUALITY MADE THE DIFFERENCE


In his analysis, Filipe acknowledged that, although Flamengo's tactical plan had an effect at various moments in the match, Bayern 's superior technical quality was decisive. "Yes, we saw one thing on the field. I believe that our plan worked, that we were able to put pressure on Bayern well, we were able to take the ball away from them, we were able to create scoring chances. Unfortunately, they are better. And they are the best in this elite of football ", assessed Filipe Luís.


Filipe Luís on solution for distance to Europe: "Don't sell players"
COACH TALKS ABOUT “INBRIDGABLE” DISTANCE BETWEEN CONTINENTS

Based on this observation, the coach pointed to a structural imbalance, which, in his view, prevents a more balanced competition. "The level between Brazilian, South American and European football is so enormous that it is insurmountable ," he declared.


"WHAT TO DO? DON'T SELL PLAYERS. IMPOSSIBLE", LAMENTS FILIPE LUÍS

When asked what could be done to reduce this gap, Filipe was direct: the way forward would be to keep the top talents in Brazilian football — something he himself considers unfeasible. "What can we do to prevent this from happening? Don't sell players. Impossible," he said, resigned.

VINI JR IS MENTIONED AS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT FLAMENGO LOSES

To illustrate the impact of players leaving early, the coach mentioned Vinicius Júnior , who was trained at Ninho do Urubu and is now a world star. "If Vinicius Júnior hadn't left, today we would have the best player in the world playing with us . And why do they leave? Because they want to play in the elite of football. And it's very simple. They are the best," he highlighted.

FILIPE REMINDS THAT SURPRISES ARE POSSIBLE, BUT REALITY IS DIFFERENT

Despite his openness about the disparity, Filipe Luís did not rule out the possibility of one-off victories — like the one Flamengo achieved against Chelsea, still in the group stage. " That we could have won the game, that we could even win the championship , of course, anything can happen in football. But that will not take away from the reality that exists, that these teams are very good. There is no problem in acknowledging it," he concluded.

NEXT STEP

Mengão will now return to Brazil this Monday (30) and focus on the return of the Brazilian football season. Flamengo has qualified for the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil and the Libertadores , where it will face Atlético-MG and Internacional, respectively. The first commitment, however, is for the Brasileirão, when it receives São Paulo at Maracanã. The CBF has not yet defined the dates due to the Club World Cup.


Soccer

Former Flamengo player Paquetá could find a new home in the Premier League

With the not guilty verdict in his trial, the midfielder returns to the list of interest of the English club, which intends to send an offer

After the trial declared his innocence, Paquetá, ex-Flamengo, is in the sights of Newcastle, from the Premier League - Photo: Reproduction/West Ham
After the trial declared his innocence, Paquetá, ex-Flamengo, is in the sights of Newcastle, from the Premier League - Photo: Reproduction/West Ham

13 Ago 2025 | 07:27 |

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After being acquitted in the trial for alleged involvement in sports betting, Lucas Paquetá has once again attracted interest from major English clubs . Among them is Newcastle, which has included the former Flamengo player on its list of potential signings for the current season.


According to British newspaper iPaper, Newcastle is considering signing the midfielder , currently at West Ham. Paquetá is highly regarded by club observers, who plan to formalize a proposal before the transfer window closes on September 1st.


CONTRACTUAL SITUATION


Paquetá's contract with West Ham runs until June 2027, with the option to extend for another season . Despite this, the Hammers' board is looking to restructure the squad and has not ruled out negotiating the Brazilian.

The midfielder was investigated for allegedly facilitating the receipt of yellow cards to benefit sports betting . After two years of proceedings, the English court concluded that the former Flamengo player was innocent, closing the case.


AND FLAMENGO?

The Mais Querido even considered the possibility of bringing Lucas Paquetá back this summer. However, it opted to sign Jorge Carrascal , a Colombian midfielder who was at Dynamo Moscow. Therefore, the board is unlikely to look for another player for the position in 2025.

NEXT GAME

Now, Flamengo leaves the market in the background and turns its attention to the Copa Libertadores. This Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), Filipe Luís' team receives Internacional , at Maracanã, for the first leg of the round of 16.



Soccer

Flamengo faces absences and uncertainty ahead of match against Internacional

The Rio de Janeiro team heads into the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16 with confirmed absences and doubts about De La Cruz, looking for an advantage at the Maracanã

Flamengo Mais Querido faces Internacional at Maracanã with important absences and expectation for the return of De La Cruz - photo: reproduction
Flamengo Mais Querido faces Internacional at Maracanã with important absences and expectation for the return of De La Cruz - photo: reproduction

12 Ago 2025 | 19:08 |

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The countdown has already begun for one of Flamengo's most important matches this season: the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16 against Internacional , this Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. The team will have to overcome significant absences and the uncertainty regarding the presence of a starter to seek a positive result at home.


Among the confirmed absences, Erick Pulgar remains out due to recovery from surgery on the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. Another absence is Danilo , who is recovering from a hamstring injury in his right thigh.


Despite showing improvement and already beginning physical therapy on the field, the defender is not expected to return until the weekend. Arrascaeta completes the list of absentees, serving a suspension after receiving his third yellow card against Deportivo Táchira (VEN) in the group stage.


DE LA CRUZ IS DOUBT

In addition to the confirmed absences, coach Filipe Luís is awaiting a decision on De La Cruz. The Uruguayan midfielder has not played since July 16 due to a problem in his left knee, but trained with the group last Monday (11).


The decision on his participation will depend on training this Tuesday (12). If he is released, the number 18 should be one of the bets to strengthen the creative sector and provide more offensive options. The expectation of his presence moves the fans , who await a definition.

CROWDED MARACANÃ AND PRESSURE

The matchup is particularly important as it's the first knockout match, and Flamengo 's goal is to capitalize on home advantage to build a favorable score. With the Maracanã packed, fans are expecting over 60,000 people.


Soccer

Libertadores: Flamengo vs Internacional - where to watch, probable lineup and time

Teams take to the field this Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm, looking for a decisive advantage for the return game and keeping the continental dream alive

Flamengo hosts Internacional at Maracanã in the round of 16 of the Libertadores in a clash for the round of 16 - photo: reproduction
Flamengo hosts Internacional at Maracanã in the round of 16 of the Libertadores in a clash for the round of 16 - photo: reproduction

12 Ago 2025 | 18:37 |

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Wednesday night (13) promises strong emotions at Maracanã. Flamengo and Internacional face each other at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) for the first leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores . Both teams are looking to build a significant advantage for the return leg, keeping alive the objective of continuing in the fight for the continental title.


The Rio de Janeiro club arrives buoyed by its lead in the Brasileirão , despite having played a game less, after beating Mirassol 2-1 last weekend. The result helped improve the mood within the squad, which was coming off an early elimination from the Copa do Brasil against Atlético-MG.


PROBABLE LINEUPS


Coach Filipe Luís will have a significant absence: Arrascaeta, suspended, is out of the match. On the other hand, Nico De La Cruz is expected to return to the starting lineup. Thus, Flamengo 's likely starting lineup is: Rossi; Alex Sandro, Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz, Emerson Royal; Allan, Jorginho, Samuel Lino, Luiz Araújo, Plata; Pedro.

Internacional, on the Colorado side, arrives confident after a 3-1 away win over RB Bragantino in the Brasileirão. Despite their recent elimination from the Copa do Brasil to Fluminense, Roger Machado's team is showing signs of improvement. The likely lineup is: Rochet; Bernabei, Victor Gabriel, Vitão, Aguirre; Thiago Maia, Bruno Henrique, Wesley, Alan Patrick, Bruno Tabata; Borré.


WHERE TO WATCH LIVE

Fans will be able to watch the match on broadcast TV, on Globo, and also on ESPN and Disney+. A full house is expected at Maracanã, with overwhelming support from the red-and-black fans, with over 60,000 people in attendance.


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