FLAMENGO DOMINATES SELECTION FOR THE 2ND ROUND OF THE BRASILEIRÃO

With a great goal at the end, Gabigol secured Cruzeiro's 2-1 victory over Bahia, on Monday night (15), at Arena Fonte Nova . The result kept the Minas Gerais team firm in the fight for the leadership of the Brasileirão , currently occupied by Flamengo.

Agitated second half

The first half was evenly balanced, with few clear-cut chances for either side. After the break, Bahia surged forward and opened the scoring in the 20th minute. In a swift counterattack, former Flamengo player Jean Lucas received the ball at the edge of the box and shot into the bottom right corner of Cássio's net , putting the home side ahead.

MINAS REACTION

Trailing, Cruzeiro made changes that changed the course of the game. The introduction of Sinisterra and Gabigol gave the team a boost. In the 31st minute, Matheus Pereira made a great individual play, dribbling past two defenders, and hitting the post . Sinisterra capitalized on the rebound to equalize.

GABIGOL'S GREAT GOAL

The equalizer lifted the spirits of the Minas Gerais team, who went in search of a comeback. In the 40th minute, Gabigol received the ball in space in midfield and unleashed a left-footed volley . The ball went straight into the top corner, a stunning goal that sealed Cruzeiro's victory. In celebration, the forward removed his shirt and was subsequently booked.

CLASSIFICATION

With the win, Cruzeiro reached 47 points in 23 games, moving into second place. Flamengo remains the undisputed leader with 50 points and a game in hand . Palmeiras is also in contention, with 46 points and two games in hand.

Coach Filipe Luís was in Fenerbahçe's (TUR) sights , but chose to remain at Flamengo. Former Flamengo captain Fábio Luciano, now a commentator, the choice was a wise one and further strengthens the coach's position at the club.

Fábio Luciano on Filipe Luís's decision to reject Fenerbahçe and stay at Flamengo: "I'm sure he's right"

“RIGHT CHOICE”

Fábio Luciano highlighted Fenerbahçe's stature, but reinforced that Filipe Luís acted correctly in prioritizing Flamengo : "I'm sure he's right. All my respect to Fenerbahçe, a giant club in Turkey, which has signed great players, like goalkeeper Ederson. But Filipe is working very hard in his career. Besides his love for Flamengo , he knows he has great possibilities to continue making his mark on the history of a gigantic club," the former defender stated.

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According to Fábio Luciano, the decision also reflects Flamengo's realistic chances of winning this season: " Flamengo is heading in that direction, based on their style of play, the squad they've assembled, and their ability . We're certain that Filipe has a long career ahead of him and that he's very thoughtful about his next steps. It's a great decision for Flamengo fans and for those who follow his work, because it adds a lot."

IMPORTANCE OF THE COACH

Finally, the former captain emphasized the importance of Filipe Luís's work in the team's development. "We talk about the quality of the squad, but everything is very interconnected. He has a big influence on Flamengo's style of play: high pressure, connection between players, collective confidence. He's systematic, knowledgeable about football, and fully adapted to the club . There's a lot of respect from the fans and the board for his work. And he knows the objectives he still has to achieve."

NEXT APPOINTMENT

Now, the focus turns to the Libertadores. Flamengo faces Estudiantes this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã . The return game, in La Plata, is already scheduled for September 25. The match will be broadcast on ESPN (pay TV) and Disney+ (streaming) throughout Brazil.

Saúl Ñíguez, one of Flamengo's key signings in the last transfer window, was very close to playing in Turkey before signing with the Rio de Janeiro club. Technical director José Boto revealed that the Spaniard had already reached an agreement with Trabzonspor , but the negotiations changed course overnight.

According to Boto, the opportunity arose shortly after Erick Pulgar's injury and Gerson 's departure. " Saúl emerged as a player capable of playing both roles; he was free on the market, but with a move to Trabzonspor almost certain ," he said.

He stated that the deal with the midfielder took place the night after the game against São Paulo. " That morning we managed to bring him to Brazil and not to where he was going, " he added in an interview with the UOL Esporte portal.

SAÚL ÑÍGUEZ BECOMES ABSOLUTE HOLDER

The change of direction proved positive for both Flamengo and the athlete. In a short time in Rio de Janeiro, Saúl won over the Flamengo fans and assumed a starting spot in midfield . His versatility has been crucial for the team, filling in for absences and strengthening the central midfield.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT CHALLENGE

With Saúl available, Flamengo returns to the field this Thursday (18) to face Estudiantes , from Argentina, in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. The match takes place at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã.