
Soccer
08 Mai 2025 | 01:00 |
An idol as a player, multiple champion with the red and black jersey and one of the leaders of the most successful generation in Flamengo 's recent history, Filipe Luís made his debut as coach surrounded by internal support and external enthusiasm. But this scenario is starting to change. The team led by the former full-back is not exciting, and the numbers in the 2025 Libertadores are, so far, a reflection of the moment: draws at home, little offensive creativity and a defensive system that fluctuates more than expected.
The draw with Central Córdoba , at the Maracanã, exposed the team's technical and emotional instability. With a football performance below what is expected of a star-studded team, Flamengo was once again booed by part of the fans at the end of the match. The criticism, which until then had been mild on social media, began to gain momentum. Fans questioned tactical choices, the coach's reading of the game and the performance of key players, who seemed far from their physical and technical peak.
For now, Filipe Luis's Libertadores is worse than Tite's..." - said fan
In addition to the occasional protests at the stadium, Fla's web channels — which include influencers, independent journalists and profiles dedicated to the club — began to voice their discontent. The debate over Filipe's continuity gained ground, and there are already comparisons with Tite's work. "But for now, Filipe Luis's Libertadores is worse than Tite's," said the fan on social media.
if it's not worse it's just as bad
Tite, who resigned in September last year, left the club after internal wear and tear, inconsistent results and criticism of the club's lack of attacking repertoire. Filipe, who took over shortly after with the idea of "rescuing the red-and-black essence", started off well, winning the Carioca, the Super Cup and the Copa do Brasil, but his recent performance is a cause for concern.
At the same time, expectations for changes to the squad are growing. The board is already discussing internally a restructuring for the mid-year window. Players with little room or underperforming should be released. Filipe has even been taking part in these discussions. He has signaled to the football leadership the need to oxygenate the group and is targeting reinforcements in specific sectors. However, the evaluation of his own work has also been on the agenda.
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
12 Ago 2025 | 19:08 |
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.
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.
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.
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
12 Ago 2025 | 18:37 |
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.
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.
Negotiations could yield more than R$600 million over three years, surpassing previous agreements and strengthening the club's financial stability.
12 Ago 2025 | 17:21 |
The current sponsorship agreement calls for PixBet to pay R$105 million in 2024 and R$115 million in 2025 , with the possibility of automatic renewal until 2027, when the annual amount would reach R$125 million . At the same time, FlaBet, the PixBet division authorized to use the club's brand , will also cease its activities, with expected payments of R$10 million in 2024, R$22.5 million in 2025, and R$25 million in 2026 and 2027.
SuperBet, the new bidder for the mastercard space, is negotiating a contract estimated at over R$600 million over the next three years. If signed, the deal would become the largest ever signed in Brazilian football, guaranteeing significant revenue for the Rio de Janeiro club.
The transition between sponsors is seen as a strategic opportunity to strengthen Flamengo 's financial health. The board intends to direct part of the resources toward strengthening the squad and investing in infrastructure, ensuring competitiveness in national and international competitions.
Even with negotiations at an advanced stage, the club remains cautious to maintain a good relationship with PixBet until the official termination of the contract. The goal is to complete the transition smoothly , ensuring a planned and safe transition.
If finalized, the deal with SuperBet will not only represent the largest sponsorship contract in the country , but will also give Mengão a prominent position in the South American sports scene. The arrival of a new sponsor at this level should further boost investment potential, increasing the team's ability to retain star players and attract key reinforcements.