FLAMENGO: AYRTON LUCAS AND PULGAR REINTEGRATE THE CAST FOR A DECISIVE CONFRONTATION IN CARIOCA

It wasn't easy, but Flamengo beat Mirassol this Saturday (9) at Maracanã by 2-1 and remains in first place in the Brasileirão. On Filipe Luís' 40th birthday, the team gave the gift of a victory and days of calm after being eliminated in the Copa do Brasil with goals from Léo Pereira and Gonzalo Plata. Gabriel, who played for Fla between 2013 and 2018, scored for Leão.

FIRST HALF

Flamengo didn't have its usual dominance of possession throughout the match, but still completely dominated the action in the first half. Mengão created great opportunities with shots from Samuel Lino and Gonzalo Plata and found the goal in the manner that has been common since the start of the season, with the presence of defenders in the box. After Lino's cross, Léo Pereira found the back of the net.

SECOND HALF

In the second half, Mirassol managed to level the scores, although Mengão continued to have great chances, albeit with a significant drop in pace . In the 23rd minute, Arrascaeta found a magical pass to Gonzalo Plata, who extended Flamengo 's lead. The former's rule, however, returned shortly after, with Gabriel pulling one back for the Lion.

After Mirassol's goal, both teams had opportunities to score, with goalkeepers Rossi and Walter shining in quick succession . Arrascaeta had a great opportunity in the six-yard box to score the third goal, but the ball went too high, securing the 2-1 result.

NEXT STEPS

With the result, Flamengo remains in first place in the Brasileirão and will not be overtaken in this current round. The Mais Querido now turns its attention to the knockout stages of the Libertadores . This Wednesday (13), Internacional goes to Maracanã in the first leg of the round of 16 of the continental competition. The match will be at 9:30 pm.

Striker Matheus Gonçalves is close to joining CSKA Moscow in Russia. The Russian club has long-standing interest, but talks have progressed in recent weeks , and Flamengo is already admitting the possibility of losing the 19-year-old.

The proposal involves a loan with an option to buy at the end of the contract. If he excels in Russian football, CSKA will have priority to acquire the player permanently . Matheus' departure, however, is not expected to happen before the U-20 World Cup final, when Flamengo faces Barcelona.

IMMINENT EXIT

Matheus Gonçalves was once close to a deal with Cruzeiro, but was reinstated to Filipe Luís's squad after strong performances with the U-20 team . Since then, he's played in the Brasileirão derby against Fluminense and was available for the Copa do Brasil clash with Atlético-MG. However, he hasn't left the bench in the last two matches.

TRANSFER SEEN AS AN OPPORTUNITY

Despite his desire to establish himself at Flamengo, Matheus Gonçalves recognizes the need for more regular play —something that's currently difficult to achieve at Rubro-Negro. Therefore, he authorized his staff to seek new opportunities, and CSKA Moscow emerged as an important opportunity, including for his first experience in Europe.

A product of Flamengo's youth academy, the striker played for Red Bull Bragantino in 2023, playing 13 matches . The São Paulo club attempted to sign him permanently, but the deal fell through. This season, Matheus has played 15 games and scored two goals for Flamengo.

Atlético-MG made official this Friday (08) the signing of midfielder Reinier , revealed by Flamengo. The 23-year-old player signed a contract valid until December 31, 2029. According to journalist Mauro Cezar Pereira, Mengão consulted the player's representatives, but considered the amounts requested too high for the moment.

Atlético-MG on Reinier, ex-Flamengo: "Reinier is a Rooster"

"Reinier is a Galo! An Olympic champion with experience at clubs in Spain, Germany, and Italy, the midfielder is Atlético's newest addition! At 23, he signed a contract until December 31, 2029, and will be another option for Cuca's squad . Keep it up, Reinier!" the club posted on social media.

PASSAGE THROUGH FLAMENGO

Reinier rose to prominence in Brazilian football after being promoted to the professional team in 2019 under Jorge Jesus. That year, he was part of the squads that won the Brasileirão and Libertadores . For Flamengo , the midfielder made 15 appearances, scoring six goals and contributing two assists.

INTERNATIONAL TRAJECTORY

After excelling at Flamengo, he was sold to Real Madrid (ESP), but failed to make the first team. He played on loan at Borussia Dortmund (GER), Girona (ESP), and Frosinone (ITA) before returning to Brazil to play for Atlético-MG.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT COMMITMENT

While Reinier reinforces Galo, Flamengo remains focused on the Brasileirão . This Saturday (09), the team faces Mirassol, at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the 18th round. The broadcast will be exclusive to Premiere, via pay-per-view.