Flamengo is expected to make changes to its starting lineup for the match against Cruzeiro.

Flamengo agreed to sell young attacking midfielder Matheus Gonçalves to Al-Ahli for 8 million euros (around R$50 million). The amount was to be paid upfront, but ended up being split into three annual installments between 2025 and 2027. According to information released by journalist Paparazzo Rubro-Negro, the first installment, scheduled to be paid by last Monday (30), was not deposited.

With the Arab team's delay, Flamengo is considering taking legal action to ensure compliance with the contract. The board fears that the Arab club will not honor its commitments , which could constitute a default.

The situation is concerning for Gávea, which was counting on the funds to bolster its cash flow. If the payment isn't regularized by October 4th, there's a chance the contract will be terminated and Matheus Gonçalves will return to the club.

CAN MATHEUS GONÇALVES RETURN?

Although he recently transferred, the player could return to Flamengo if the deal falls through. The board is closely monitoring the player's movements and is in contact with representatives of the player and Al-Ahli.

WHEN WILL FLAMENGO PLAY AGAIN?

Flamengo enters the field to defend its sole lead in the Brasileirão, with 54 points, four more than second-place Cruzeiro. A victory could extend the Flamengo's lead, while a victory for the Minas Gerais team would reduce the gap to just one point.

Flamengo enters the field to defend its sole lead in the Brasileirão, with 54 points, four more than second-place Cruzeiro. A victory could extend the Flamengo's lead, while a victory for the Minas Gerais team would reduce the gap to just one point.

Maracanã is expected to welcome over 70,000 fans , in a pre-match atmosphere. Besides its importance for the standings, the match also marks a symbolic reunion: Gabigol will return to the stadium for the first time since leaving Flamengo, now wearing the sky-blue jersey.

REUNION WITH GABIGOL

The duel promises intense emotions for the Flamengo fans . Gabigol, a longtime Flamengo idol, returns to Maracanã in a new phase of his career , playing for Cruzeiro . In the first round, the striker was decisive, scoring the winning goal for Raposa, 2-1, at Mineirão.

Fans are expecting a high-level game, with ingredients that go beyond sporting rivalry : on one side, Flamengo 's fight to maintain its lead; on the other, Cruzeiro's attempt to close the gap and dream bigger about the cup.

TECHNICAL SHEET - FLAMENGO X CRUZEIRO

26th round – Brazilian Championship

📆 Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025

⏰ Time: 8:30 pm (Brasília time)

📍 Location: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

📺 Broadcast: Premiere

TEAM LINEUPS

Flamengo (Coach: Filipe Luis): Rossi; Varela, Leo Ortiz, Danilo (Leo Pereira) and Alex Sandro; Saul, Jorginho and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino and Pedro.

Cruzeiro (Coach: Leonardo Jardim): Cassio; William, Fabrício Bruno, Villalba and Kaiki; Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva and Matheus Pereira; Christian, Wanderson and Kaio Jorge.

Flamengo announced that tickets for the match against Cruzeiro , this Thursday (2), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, are practically sold out. The game is valid for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship and should have an audience of over 70 thousand people.

The North, West, East (upper and lower), and part of the South sectors are already full. Prices range from R$100 to R$600, depending on the sector, with half-price tickets available for all options.

FLAMENGO LEADER

The duel pits the leaders and runners-up of Série A against each other . Flamengo arrives with 54 points and a four-point advantage over Cruzeiro , which has 50. The match could reduce the gap between the two clubs or increase the red-black advantage in the race for the title.

TICKET SALES

Ticket sales began on September 2nd, exclusively for Flamengo members, who received priority and special discounts. Later, on September 18th, sales opened to the general public. Cruzeiro's visiting fans will be seated in the stadium's South B section.

TICKET PRICES

• North – Full: R$120 | Half: R$60
• South – Full: R$100 | Half: R$50
• Upper East – Full: R$140 | Half: R$70
• Lower East – Full: R$160 | Half: R$80
• Fla+ Leste Inferior Space – Single price: R$ 360
• Lower West – Full: R$200 | Half: R$100
• Fla+ Oeste Inferior Space – Single price: R$400
• Maracanã Mais – Full: R$600 | Half: R$337.50
• South Sector B (Cruzeiro fans) – Full: R$170 | Half: R$85