
Soccer
Former Flamengo player criticizes Filipe Luís and questions technologies in modern football
Soccer
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Flamengo and Internacional are starting their journey in the 2025 Brasileirão in great form . Both recently won their state championships and are coming into the match at Maracanã, this Saturday (29), at 9 pm, in high spirits. The teams' offensive numbers show the potential of the game: Rubro-Negro scored 33 goals in 16 matches this season (an average of 2.1 goals per game), while Colorado scored 24 goals in 12 games (an average of 2 per game).
The Rio de Janeiro team has won four and drawn one of its last five matches, scoring nine goals in that period. Internacional has a similar campaign, but with one more goal, which highlights the balance of the match. For Flamengo , Bruno Henrique is the top scorer of the season, with five goals and two assists, followed by Luiz Araújo, who has scored four goals. On the other side, Internacional has Enner Valencia and Vitinho as the team's top scorers. Alan Patrick, the leader in assists, has been one of the highlights of the team from Rio Grande do Sul.
DIFFERENT PLAYING STYLES
Tactically, Flamengo and Internacional have different strategies. The Mais Querido prioritizes possession of the ball and building plays from the defense, betting on high marking to quickly recover possession. The team from Rio Grande do Sul explores counterattacks and plays on the wings, taking advantage of the speed of Vitinho and Bernabei to get to the attack.
In midfield, Gerson and Pulgar will be in charge of distributing the play for Flamengo, while Alan Patrick and Thiago Maia will play this role for Colorado. The battle in the central sector promises to be one of the key points of the game. The presence of these players on the field reinforces the expectation of an attacking duel, with both teams counting on the speed and creativity of their athletes to seek victory.
CONSISTENT DEFENSES
In addition to the efficient attacks, the defenses of both teams also stand out. Flamengo conceded only eight goals in 16 matches, while Internacional conceded six goals in 12 games – both with an average of 0.5 goals conceded per game. The Rubro-Negro's defensive system remains compact, with the full-backs forming a line of four alongside the defenders. Internacional, under the command of Roger Machado, adopts a defensive line that can vary between three and four players, depending on the advancement of the full-backs.
In search of staying at the top of the table, the red-black team faces the São Paulo team away from home with important absences in defense and attack.
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Santos finalized, on Tuesday afternoon (15), the final adjustments before facing Flamengo at Vila Belmiro, this Wednesday (16), at 8 pm (Brasília time), in a match valid for the 14th round of the Brazilian Championship Series A. Coach Cléber Xavier will have two certain absences for the commitment.
Midfielder João Schmidt and Argentine midfielder Benjamin Rollheiser are suspended and will not be available . Rollheiser , in fact, had been a key player in Santos' midfield, which significantly impacts the team's tactical structure. On the other hand, the squad is free of any medical issues, and all players trained during the break are available for the game.
The most likely lineup for the home team is Gabriel Brazão; Escobar, João Basso, Luan Peres and Souza; Tomás Rincón, Zé Rafael and Neymar; Barreal, Guilherme and Deivid Washington.
Flamengo , meanwhile, comes into the match with significant absences. Full-backs Alex Sandro and Ayrton Lucas will miss the game, leaving Viña as the only option on the left flank. Pulgar and Michael will also be out due to injuries. Pedro remains out due to indiscipline.
RETURNS AND SEARCH FOR REHABILITATION IN VILA BELMIRO
The only good news for Flamengo is the return of young striker Matheus Gonçalves, who is once again an attacking option. With 27 points, the Rio de Janeiro club shares the Brasileirão lead with Cruzeiro, but needs a good result against Santos to secure a spot at the top.
With physical problems and disciplinary issues, Mais Querido will have important changes in the team for the game at Vila Belmiro for the Brasileirão
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Flamengo will have a series of important absences for the match against Santos , this Wednesday (16), at 8 pm (Brasília time), at Vila Belmiro, for the 17th round of the Brazilian Championship . The list of related players, released on Tuesday night (15), confirms the absence of key players, which should directly impact the performance of the team led by Filipe Luís.
Striker Pedro , one of the main names in the squad, will be out for the second consecutive match. The number 9 was not included in the previous game against São Paulo, last Saturday (12), which generated controversy after statements by coach Filipe Luís, who criticized the athlete's behavior in training. According to the coach, Pedro's behavior was "ridiculous", which would justify his exclusion.
In addition to Pedro, Flamengo will be without full-backs Alex Sandro and Ayrton Lucas. Both are undergoing treatment in the club's medical department. Alex Sandro is treating a hamstring injury in his left thigh, while Ayrton Lucas is still recovering from the knock he suffered in the match against São Paulo.
Midfielder Erick is also out. He is in Chile, completing his recovery from surgery on the fifth metatarsal of his right foot , and will undergo a final examination with the attending physician before returning to Brazil. Another key player who will be out is striker Michael . With pain in his left ankle, he will remain in Rio de Janeiro for intensive treatment with the club's medical team.
The only good news for Flamengo is the return of young striker Matheus Gonçalves, who is once again an attacking option. With 27 points, the Rio de Janeiro club shares the Brasileirão lead with Cruzeiro, but needs a good result against Santos to secure a spot at the top.
The expectation is for a close game, with both teams seeking victory and paying close attention to the decisions made by Felipe Fernandes de Lima's referee.
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Flamengo faces Santos this Wednesday (16), at 8 pm, at Vila Belmiro, for the 14th round of the Brasileirão Betano. Rubro-Negro leads the competition with 27 points, the same number as Cruzeiro, but with an advantage in goal difference. The Rio de Janeiro team seeks to maintain the lead and extend its winning streak.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has appointed Minas Gerais referee Felipe Fernandes de Lima to officiate the match between Santos and Flamengo. This will be Felipe's seventh match in the 2025 Brasileirão Betano, his third for Santos and his first for Flamengo in the competition.
Felipe Fernandes de Lima refereed two Flamengo matches in the 2021 Brasileirão, both of which resulted in Flamengo victories: 5-1 against São Paulo and 3-0 against Fortaleza. The record is favorable to Flamengo, who have never lost under the referee.
Felipe Fernandes de Lima has been embroiled in controversy both on and off the field. In 2023, videos showed his ex-wife kissing Sérgio Santos Rodrigues, former president of Cruzeiro, which generated widespread attention. On the field, he was criticized for his performance in matches such as Internacional vs. Athletico-PR and Atlético-MG vs. Cruzeiro, both in 2024.
With Flamengo 's favorable track record under Felipe Fernandes de Lima and the recent controversies involving the referee, the match promises to be tense. Santos, which has already expressed dissatisfaction with previous decisions, will be watching every play. Flamengo aims to maintain its lead and extend its lead in the championship.