
Soccer
23 Abr 2025 | 09:29 |
The lack of effectiveness in finishing is once again a concern for Flamengo after the team accumulated, for the first time this season, its second consecutive game without scoring a goal. The Rubro-Negro drew 0-0 against Vasco, in the Brazilian Championship, and against LDU , in the Libertadores. However, each game had its own particularity so that the net did not shake.
THE GAMES
Flamengo crushed Vasco and piled up wasted opportunities. They had 17 shots on target compared to six from the Cruzmaltinos, and the opposing goalkeeper, Léo Jardim, was the star of the match with some great saves. Against the Ecuadorians, Rubro-Negro had fewer shots on target than their opponents: 10 shots on target compared to 11.
Filipe Luís highlighted the Brazilian calendar as an obstacle to overcome. According to him, the players have sacrificed themselves to play their best football.
It's the fourth game in 12 days that we've had. The players have made a great effort and will have to continue doing so.
"We are not in a comfortable position in this group, we are behind LDU. It is true that we have two home games, but we will face (Central) Córdoba away from home and it will not be easy. But I believe that with our team, our model, we will qualify. The objective is to go through. If it is first, even better. It is a very tight schedule, with many games in a row. It is the fourth game in 12 days that we have had . The players have made a great effort and will have to continue doing so to get us to the round of 16 and, after that, try to go as far as possible in this competition that is so beautiful and so special" , said the coach.
Before the 6-0 win over Juventude , Filipe Luís had been criticized for being more effective in his finishing, but the criticism subsided after the game in question. After that match, the coach maintained his analysis of how he understands the situation.
"I'm very happy with the victory and the efficiency that you (journalists) demand so much in all the press conferences. I always say that there are days when the ball will go in like no one expects and others when it won't. That's football. The players have this offensive power, but I'm not fooled by the result ," he commented.
The one who can solve the issue of the red-black lethality is Pedro . The striker recovered from a serious injury to his left knee — which kept him off the pitch for seven months — and has already played his fourth match, always coming on in the second half. In the rout over Juventude, he scored his first two goals.
In the game against LDU, the number 9 played for 31 minutes . He revealed that he suffered with the altitude of 2,850 meters in Quito, Ecuador, but said that he is fine for the next games.
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.