Flamengo releases images with Gabigol and Pedro returning to training

Flamengo is no longer in the running for the Copa do Brasil , but did not miss the opportunity to provoke a rival this Thursday (11). This is because Vasco, when releasing the official art for the classic against Botafogo, used a style very similar to the one that Mais Querido usually adopts in its publications.

The response came quickly: on Twitter , Flamengo's official profile commented: " I don't know if you noticed, but someone wants to be me ." The interaction went viral, and Flamengo fans flooded the post with provocations against their rival.

WHAT WAS COPIED?

The similarities caught attention: the visual style of the art; the phrases used in the publicity; even the font chosen was virtually identical to that used by Flamengo . The result was a wave of mockery from Flamengo fans , who reinforced the provocation initiated by the club.

CRUZMALTINE REACTION

Naturally, Vasco fans also appeared in the comments to respond, reminding that Flamengo has already been eliminated from the Copa do Brasil. However, the red-and-blacks made a point of highlighting the five titles won in the competition , including last year's, using the argument as a response to the rival's provocation.

NEXT GAME

While Vasco tries to continue the campaign to become more like Mengão, Mais Querido returns to the field on Sunday (14), at 4 pm (Brasília time), to face Juventude , at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, in Caxias do Sul, for the 23rd round of the Brasileirão. Mais Querido seeks the first victory against Jaconero away from home since 1997, when with an own goal from Rodrigo Silva, managed to come out victorious.

Flamengo and the Rio de Janeiro City Hall have reached an agreement that removes the deadline for completing the Gasômetro stadium project . Previously, the project was supposed to be completed by 2029. This information comes from journalist Rodrigo Mattos of the UOL portal.

CLUB STILL WAITING FOR STUDIES

Meanwhile, Flamengo is awaiting economic feasibility studies conducted by FGV and Arena to obtain a more accurate cost estimate . The initial budget was R$2 billion, but Luiz Eduardo Baptista's (BAP) administration is already projecting figures closer to R$3 billion.

The board emphasizes that it will not move forward with the project if it impacts athletic performance or requires funding from the Federal Savings and Investment Agency (SAF). When deciding when to start and complete the project, the club's leadership points to three determining factors :

1) CAPACITY TO GENERATE OWN RESOURCES: Bap had previously stated that the goal is to increase Flamengo 's annual revenue, which is around R$1.4 billion, by up to 50%. The surplus would be allocated to the stadium . In 2025, with the World Cup prize money, the expectation is to exceed R$1.7 billion in revenue.

2) COST OF MONEY: With the Selic rate at 15%, the current interest rate scenario is considered unviable for borrowing. A reduction in interest rates would be crucial to speeding up the start of construction on the Gasômetro site.

3) STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP : The club is open to the possibility of a strategic partner, as long as the agreement is limited to the stadium, as is the case with Palmeiras and WTorre. Any model that requires a SAF remains out of the question.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS' VISION

With the agreement signed, Flamengo gained time to await a more favorable economic scenario and the completion of budget studies . The board believes the project will only move forward when at least one of these factors—or a combination of them—proves viable.

In recent years, Flamengo and Palmeiras have dominated the race for major national and continental titles. However, according to sports finance journalist Rodrigo Capelo, two other clubs could rival them: Corinthians and São Paulo . The caveat is that both require greater organization to reach this level.

Rodrigo Capelo: "The only clubs that can keep up with Palmeiras and Flamengo in Brazil are Corinthians and São Paulo"

"The only clubs that can keep up with Palmeiras and Flamengo in Brazil are Corinthians and São Paulo. But they're both so complicated that they get tangled up and make bad deals, but they still grow , earn very well, and manage to compete more or less on equal terms in spending. Irresponsibly, but they compete," Capelo said in an interview with the Tricolaços channel.

"These two are unique because of the fan base and location. Being in São Paulo, the country's largest capital and main economic center, boosts stadium revenue , sponsorship revenue, and TV visibility... It's a huge advantage over those in Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul, and especially the Northeast. Travel times are also shorter. There are many advantages to being in São Paulo," the journalist concluded.

WHAT DIFFERENTIATES FLAMENGO AND PALMEIRAS?

Flamengo changed its approach in 2013, adopting financial responsibility: spending less than it earned, cutting costs, and prioritizing balance . After years of insignificant signings, the club is now reaping the rewards, even signing starters from major European teams—such as Samuel Lino, recently arrived from Atlético de Madrid (ESP). Palmeiras, for its part, relied on the support of Crefisa and former president Paulo Nobe to restructure its finances and is currently operating sustainably.

Corinthians and São Paulo continue to face problems. Despite their debt, both are still making risky moves in the market . The Parque São Jorge club, for example, pays Memphis Depay a European-standard salary. Corinthians, for its part, almost closed the multi-million dollar signing of Marcos Leonardo from Al Hilal (SAU), but negotiations stalled due to lack of time.

CURRENT CLUBS SCENARIO

Among the four clubs mentioned, only Corinthians will not compete in the 2025 Libertadores. Flamengo, Palmeiras and São Paulo remain in the continental competition. On the national scene, Mengão has an advantage: it is leading the Brasileirão , closely followed by Cruzeiro and Alviverde. On Sunday (14), the team led by Filipe Luís faces Juventude, in Caxias do Sul, in the 23rd round.