Flamengo is expected to make changes to its lineup to face Bahia

One of Corinthians ' greatest idols, goalkeeper Cássio has a special chapter in Flamengo's recent history, even though he never wore the red-and-black jersey. In 2020, his performance in Corinthians' draw against Internacional was crucial in the Rio de Janeiro club's Brasileirão title victory.

In the final round of that championship, Flamengo and Internacional were neck and neck for the trophy. Flamengo lost to São Paulo at Morumbi Stadium and, to retain the trophy , depended on a slip-up from their Rio Grande do Sul rival. At Beira-Rio Stadium, Corinthians held on for a draw thanks to Cássio's saves, preventing the Colorado victory and confirming the title for Mengão.

The episode has remained etched in the memories of Flamengo fans. In a recent interaction, a Flamengo influencer reminded the goalkeeper of the feat. " You know you're a national idol, right?" he asked. In a relaxed tone, Cássio replied: "Yes, we won that title, didn't we? Two thousand and…?" The fan added: "2020 !"

GOALKEEPER STANDS OUT AGAIN

Last Thursday (2), in a duel valid for the Brazilian Championship, Cássio was once again highlighted against Flamengo, now defending Cruzeiro . The goalkeeper made important saves at Maracanã , guaranteeing a goalless draw and frustrating the red-black team's search for three more points.

FLAMENGO X BAHIA

With no time to lament the result, Flamengo is already concentrating its efforts on the next match of the competition. This Sunday (5), the team led by Filipe Luís faces Bahia, at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), at Arena Fonte Nova, in Salvador. The match will be valid for the 27th round and will be broadcast exclusively on the Premiere channel.

Filipe Luís's decision to leave Pedro on the bench against Cruzeiro generated repercussions after the goalless draw at Maracanã, last Thursday (2). Former goalkeeper Fernando Prass, currently a commentator, questioned the Flamengo coach's decision and highlighted the need for greater adaptation to the game circumstances.

In the Brazilian Championship match, the Red-Blacks opted for Gonzalo Plata as their attacking reference . Despite giving the team more mobility, the absence of a center forward was felt by the fans, who saw the team lose its finishing ability. Pedro ended up coming on only in the final minutes, which generated criticism and questions about the coach's strategy.

FERNANDO PRASS DEFENDS ADAPTATION

For Prass, the initial choice made sense given Cruzeiro's attacking approach , which was pushing the defense. However, he emphasized that the coach needs to be more flexible as the match unfolds.

"And Filipe Luís 's point was: he read Cruzeiro's high line, which could attack with Plata, which makes sense. But I think the game starts to show you things, and you can't have a fixed, rigid idea. Pedro didn't play against Corinthians; I thought it was a fitness issue, and he came on in the 35th minute [of the second half] against Cruzeiro," analyzed the former goalkeeper.

Posture irritates former goalkeeper

According to Prass, the red-black coach will have to adopt a more "flexible" approach to leading the team, mainly because Pedro's substitutes have not been showing outstanding numbers in goals.

" I think that, at certain times, Filipe will have to start being a little more flexible. Because if the others were solving the problem, scoring 20 goals like Pedro does, that's not what we're seeing," he added.

Flamengo returns to the field away from home next Sunday (5), at 6:30 pm, to face Bahia at Arena Fonte Nova, for the 27th round of the Brazilian Championship . The clash promises a full house: so far, more than 45 thousand tickets have already been sold , confirming the expectation of a large audience in Salvador.

Ticket sales began on a staggered basis last Sunday (28), with priority check-in for members of the Tô na Fonte category. Even after the general opening, members can still guarantee a place in the stadium . Prices range from R$33 to R$280, with half-price tickets available and free admission for children up to 11 years old.

TICKET PRICES

• North Upper Seat – R$76 (half R$38)
• Superior East Chair – R$80 (half R$40)
• North Chair – R$ 90 (half R$ 45)
• East Chair – R$ 100 (half R$ 50)
• Special Lower Chair – R$ 130 (half R$ 65)
• Superior Special Chair – R$ 140 (half R$ 70)
• Premium Lounge – R$280
• Children's Lounge – R$ 170

DUEL IS WORTH IMPORTANT POINTS

On the field, the match carries strategic weight for both teams. Bahia, defeated by Botafogo in the last round, is looking to close in on the top four and continues to monitor the results of direct competitors like Botafogo and Mirassol. On the other side, Flamengo is looking to extend its lead at the top of Série A and maintain its strong run of results this season.

LARGEST AUDIENCES

• Bahia 5×0 Confiança – Northeast Cup: 48,637 fans
• Bahia 0×0 Vitória – Bahia Championship: 47,895 fans
• Bahia 2×1 Vitória – Brazilian Championship: 47,796 fans