Flamengo sets the week's agenda with a focus on the Libertadores and the derby against Vasco

Flamengo beat Juventude 2-0 this Sunday (14), in the 23rd round of the Brasileirão. In addition to the goals from Arrascaeta and Emerson Royal, the match marked a special moment for Jorge Carrascal, who gave his first assist with the red-black shirt . After the game, coach Filipe Luís highlighted the Colombian's talent and lamented the direct competition with one of the main players in the squad.

Filipe Luís on Carrascal's competition with Arrascaeta at Flamengo: "Very difficult for the player"

COMPETITION WITH ARRASCAETA

In a press conference, Filipe praised the new signing's qualities, but acknowledged the difficulty of the position he holds: "Regarding Carrascal , it's practically the same situation. A player who competes for position with Arrascaeta, who is currently in his best form . It's very difficult for a new player to compete with one of the best players in Brazil right now, if not the best," the coach began.

"We know he can play in other positions too. We're giving him all the care he can get so he can adapt as quickly as possible , because he's a very talented player," concluded Filipe Luís during a press conference.

FIRST ASSISTANCE

Carrascal started on the bench and came on in the 83rd minute of the second half. Shortly after, he made his mark: from the left wing, he crossed perfectly for Emerson Royal , who headed in to seal the scoring. It was the Colombian's first direct goal contribution for Flamengo .

WHAT WAS THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE LIKE?

With the victory in Caxias do Sul, Flamengo reached 50 points and remains the sole leader of the Brazilian Championship, with four points more than Palmeiras , in second place, but with one game more than the São Paulo club in the competition.

EYE ON THE LIBERTADORES

With the midfielder available, Flamengo now focuses on the Copa Libertadores da América. Next Thursday (18), Rubro-Negro faces Estudiantes de La Plata (ARG) at Maracanã, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), for the first leg of the quarterfinals.

Midfielder Gerson is going through a slump at Zenit. He hasn't started in almost a month and hasn't played since August 23rd . Signed for €25 million from Flamengo in July, the midfielder has played six games for the Russian club, without scoring or providing assists, four of which as a starter and two coming off the bench.

According to information gathered by journalist Jorge Nicola's blog, the athlete's departure from Russia may only be a matter of time , but a return to Mais Querido is currently completely ruled out.

WORN OUT RELATIONSHIP

Gerson's relationship with Flamengo deteriorated after the transfer to Zenit. At the time, the midfielder demanded a salary exceeding R$2 million to renew his contract. The football department, led by José Boto, offered R$1.5 million , but the impasse was only resolved when the release clause was reduced to €25 million, an amount Zenit agreed to pay.

Furthermore, the player's father, who acts as his agent, is now frowned upon by Flamengo 's current management. The rift between the boards of Flamengo and Zenit reinforces the possibility of a possible return .

JORGINHO AND SAÚL REDUCE POSSIBILITIES

The spot that once belonged to Gerson is now occupied by reinforcements who have quickly won over the fans. Jorginho and Saúl, signed in the July transfer window, have been receiving praise from the coaching staff and fans for their performances in midfield, minimizing any nostalgia for the Brazilian's absence.

Flamengo fans once again showed their strength in the Copa Libertadores. 57,402 tickets have already been sold for the match against Estudiantes, valid for the first leg of the quarterfinals. The match will take place next Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm, at Maracanã.

The North, East, Lower West, and Maracanã Mais sectors are already sold out . Currently, only tickets remain for the South sector, priced at R$200 (full price) and R$100 (half price) . Management expects the 60,000 tickets available to sell out this Friday.

Adding up the free tickets, VIP boxes, and reserved seats, the projected attendance for the match is high. The estimate is that more than 67,000 fans will cheer Mengão on in their quest for a spot in the semifinals of the continental competition , creating a massive atmosphere of support in the stadium.

NEXT CHALLENGES

Before the decisive duel against Estudiantes, Flamengo faces Juventude for the Brazilian Championship this Sunday (14), at 4 pm, at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium. The team leads the table with 47 points, while the Gauchos occupy the 18th position with 21. The return game against the Argentines is scheduled for September 25, also at 9:30 pm, at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium (UNO), in La Plata.

MENGÃO'S VICTORY IN THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Last Sunday (15) was special for Flamengo , which ended a taboo of almost 28 years without beating Juventude at Alfredo Jaconi. In Caxias do Sul, in the 23rd round of the Brasileirão, Rubro-Negro beat the Gauchos 2-0, with goals from Arrascaeta and Emerson Royal.