Flamengo defines strategy against Bayern and prepares surprise lineup for the World Cup

Flamengo beat Mirassol 2-1 this Saturday (09), in the 19th round of the Brasileirão, with Léo Pereira standing out. The defender scored one of the goals of the match and consolidated himself as the team's offensive weapon. With the goal, he reached four goals in the season, equaling Léo Ortiz, while Danilo is right behind, with three. Mengão's defenders, thus, scored 11 times in the season , also contributing in the offensive phase.

Léo Pereira on his goalscoring form at Flamengo: "When we're on the attack, we try to help"

By scoring, Léo Pereira reached 15 goals in 255 appearances for the club . In addition to his defensive role, the number 4 is a constant presence in attack, especially from set pieces. That's how he scored against Mirassol, taking advantage of a cross from Samuel Lino . In the second half, he also saved an opponent's goal by clearing the ball off the line.

Heading into the break, the defender commented on the play: "First, our goal is to not concede goals, but when we're on the attack, we try to help. We took a quick throw-in, and I felt I could stay in the box to try to score, and I did. I'm very happy," declared the number 4.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT CHALLENGES

Before returning to the Brasileirão, Flamengo will have a decisive commitment in the Libertadores. Next Wednesday (13), they face Internacional at Maracanã, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) , for the first leg of the round of 16. For the Brazilian Championship, the next game will be on August 17 (Sunday), also against Colorado, at 6:30 pm, at Beira-Rio, in Porto Alegre, for the 20th round.

SITUATION IN THE TABLE

With the victory over Mirassol, Flamengo reached 40 points, maintaining its lead in the competition . Filipe Luís's team has 12 wins, four draws, and two losses, scoring 32 goals and conceding only seven. It's worth noting that Mengão has played a game less than Cruzeiro, the competition's second-placed team.

Coach Filipe Luís explained the decision not to field Spanish midfielder Saúl Ñíguez as a starter in the 2-1 victory over Mirassol , this Saturday (09), at Maracanã, in the 19th round of the Brasileirão. Despite the player's versatility, the coach opted for the duo Allan and Evertton Araújo in midfield.

Filipe Luís discusses where he will use Saúl at Flamengo: "I see him in the position Gerson was in"

"Saúl is versatile, but today, given the composition of the squad, I see him in the same position as Gerson. I spoke to him before coming here. That's where he played at Atlético de Madrid and where he performed best . He gets into the box well, is decisive, and today, he could be an option as a defensive midfielder if needed. He doesn't have all the skills yet, and I tried to hold off on making that substitution," said Filipe Luís at a press conference.

DID FLAMENGO PAY FOR SAÚL?

The Spaniard, who previously played for Atlético de Madrid, terminated his contract with the club at the end of July . He thus joined Flamengo for no transfer fee, excluding signing bonuses and signing bonuses. He has played three matches for the Manto Sagrado so far.

GOALS IN THE MATCH AGAINST MIRASSOL

On Filipe Luís's birthday, Flamengo opened the scoring with Léo Pereira and extended the lead with Gonzalo Plata, following a masterful pass from Arrascaeta . Mirassol pulled one back with Gabriel, a former player for the club between 2013 and 2017, who scored using the "ex-law."

FLAMENGO'S SITUATION IN THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

With the victory, Flamengo isolated itself at the top of the Brazilian Championship, reaching 40 points. Cruzeiro, second place, has 37, leaving Rubro-Negro with a three-point advantage , despite the miners still playing for 19th place this Sunday (10). Mengão, however, still has one game less, against Sport.

NEXT APPOINTMENT

Flamengo returns to the field on Wednesday (13), against Internacional, for the first leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores . The match will be at Maracanã, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), with broadcast on Rede Globo on open TV.

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.