Soccer
What will the pitch look like for Bahia vs. Flamengo? Arena director gives his opinion
04 Out 2025 | 12:56
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Soccer
04 Ago 2025 | 10:11 |
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On Sunday night (31), Flamengo drew 1-1 with Ceará at Arena Castelão, in a duel valid for the 18th round of the Brazilian Championship. The result kept the Rio de Janeiro club at the top of the competition , even with one game less, but raised an alert for the rest of the season, as performance in the final stage dropped drastically.
After the final whistle, Mais Querido's coach, Filipe Luís, didn't hide his frustration with the result . In a press conference, the manager admitted that the team left something to be desired in the second half and stated:
"I like to come right after the game with my heart still warm because I'm expressing what's inside me. A feeling of disappointment. After having played a great first half, creating scoring chances and finishing many times on the opponent's goal, we suffered a significant drop in the second half and, due to our carelessness, on a set piece, we conceded the equalizer. Of course, the feeling is one of disappointment. We have no other choice but to work hard and continue to improve."
Flamengo got off to a promising start. They dominated the game and opened the scoring with Arrascaeta in the first half, creating several opportunities to extend their lead. However, the team failed to maintain the same momentum after the break. Pedro Raul, in a set piece, capitalized on a defensive error and leveled the score, thwarting Flamengo 's plans to extend their lead at the top.
Mengão now turns its attention to the Copa do Brasil. Next Wednesday (6), it faces Atlético-MG, at 7 pm, at Arena MRV , for the second leg of the round of 16. Filipe Luís' team will seek to recover the good football shown in the first 45 minutes against Ceará, with the mission of confirming its place in the next phase of the national tournament.
The player lost his place under coach Filipe Luís and the rise of Ayrton Lucas to Alex Sandro's immediate reserve in the position
04 Out 2025 | 18:00 |
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Left-back Matías Viña has been on a tear at Flamengo in recent weeks. With the experienced Alex Sandro a regular starter, the Uruguayan has lost his place in the squad rotation and seen his playing time decrease. Before that, Viña was already competing directly with Ayrton Lucas for the position , but a recent injury has only made the competition worse.
Behind the scenes, the player's name was mentioned in speculation about possible departures in the next transfer window. However, the situation has changed , and an internal shake-up could ensure his continued presence at the club .
According to journalist Fabrício Lopes, the trend within Gávea is for Alex Sandro to play primarily as a center-back , once again opening up space for Viña and Ayrton Lucas at left-back. With this change, the Uruguayan should once again be used more by Filipe Luís, especially in games that require greater defensive solidity. Therefore, the Uruguayan is unlikely to be traded and will remain in the red-and-black squad for the remainder of the season.
Flamengo returns to the field this Sunday (5), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), to face Bahia, at Arena Fonte Nova, in a duel valid for the 27th round of the Brasileirão . The team led by Filipe Luís seeks to maintain the leadership of the competition and increase the advantage over direct competitors.
Flamengo currently sits first in the Brazilian Championship with 55 points, followed by Palmeiras (52 points), Cruzeiro (51) and Botafogo (43). A victory away from home in Salvador would be another important step in the fight for the Série A title.
The defender is a regular starter for coach Filipe Luís and is highly valued on the market, receiving constant inquiries, leading to demand from the English club.
04 Out 2025 | 17:00 |
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Leader of the Brasileirão and semifinalist of the Copa Libertadores, Flamengo is not limited to just competing for the 2025 titles. The red-black board is already planning the next season and working on two fronts: important renewals and specific reinforcements to keep the squad at a high level, in addition to dealing with the pressure on important players, such as Léo Ortiz .
According to journalist Fabrício Lopes, English clubs are watching defender Léo Ortiz, and Nottingham Forest has expressed formal interest . Despite this, the defender isn't convinced that leaving Flamengo for a lesser-known club would be advantageous at this time. Internally, the Rio de Janeiro club also has no intention of facilitating a possible exit.
With a contract until the end of 2028, Léo Ortiz is seen as a key player in the Flamengo defense. Behind the scenes, Flamengo has made it clear that it will only open negotiations for a sum considered very high , capable of enabling the signing of a replacement of the same level—or higher.
Fabrício Lopes on the search for Léo Ortiz, from Flamengo: "Nottingham Forest made an inquiry for the red-black defender"
"Nottingham Forest made an enquiry about the Flamengo defender, but Flamengo 's internal order is to renew with everyone who can leave and only negotiate players preferably abroad . And for a value that allows Flamengo to replace at a level or even better," revealed Fabrício Lopes.
In September, the club rejected a proposal of approximately R$114.5 million from a Turkish team. The offer was promptly rejected, reinforcing the board's firm stance on maintaining the main squad . In addition to Ortiz, Flamengo is also working to renew the contracts of Léo Pereira and Pedro, shielding the group from European pressure. The strategy includes salary increases and contract extensions to ensure security in future transfer windows.
Léo Ortiz, for his part, is cautiously evaluating any move. The defender fears losing visibility for the Brazilian national team if he moves to a lesser-known club before the 2026 World Cup . Therefore, the player believes that remaining with Flamengo, the national leader and a continental standout, is the safest way to stay on Italian Carlo Ancelotti's radar and maintain a high level of competition.
Among the priorities are the renewals of Filipe Luís and Arrascaeta, in addition to maintaining the starting lineup. At the same time, the club is keeping Lazio striker Taty Castellanos on its radar as a target for the attack in January. The Argentine's agents are already negotiating his exit from the Italian club.
Real Madrid striker remains the most valued Brazilian in world football, but let his place on the podium slip away after a disappointing season
04 Out 2025 | 16:00 |
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A Flamengo product and now a top star at Real Madrid, striker Vinicius Júnior has seen his market value drop again . According to the specialist website Transfermarkt, the Real Madrid number 7 is now valued at €150 million , marking a cumulative loss of €50 million in 2025 alone.
The drop is significant for an athlete who, not long ago, was at the top of world football as the most valuable player on the planet , valued at an impressive €200 million, a figure that continues to represent the top spot, but this time it is Lamine Yamal.
The year 2025 has been challenging for the Brazilian. Vini Jr. 's devaluation occurred in two stages: first, a €30 million drop, followed by a further €20 million reduction in the most recent update . Even so, the striker remains a key player at Real Madrid and one of the great technical icons of his generation.
Despite the loss, Vini Jr. remains the most valuable Brazilian player on the planet , ahead of names like Rodrygo, Endrick, and Gabriel Martinelli. This brand reinforces his prestige on the international stage and his consolidation as a leading player in European football.
With the fall, Vini Jr. left the podium of the world's most expensive players. Barcelona's youngster Lamine Yamal took the top spot with €200 million , followed by Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé, all valued at €180 million.
Check out Transfermarkt's updated top 10:
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