Flamengo and Palmeiras are in an “unequal dispute” with their competitors, says former Fla player

Flamengo started the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil at a disadvantage, losing 1-0 to Atlético-MG last Wednesday (31) at the Maracanã. The red-black team showed fluctuations throughout the game, and some decisions by coach Filipe Luís drew attention, especially the choice to field Luiz Araújo on the left side of the attack - which generated criticism from fans and analysts. After the match, Filipe justified the decision, citing tactical reasons and the versatility of the number 7.7

Filipe Luís on Luiz Araújo at Flamengo: "His best place is on the right"

"His best position is on the right, but today I wanted to leave Matheus Gonçalves there because of his dribbling and one-on-one ability. I also considered Luiz as a finisher because he's lethal . He's played on the left before, scoring goals and providing assists. It's not his best position, but I believe he can perform well in the finishing department. He sacrificed himself for the team and tried. It wasn't a good performance for him or the team, but that's normal," the coach explained in a press conference.

IDEAL POSITION FOR LUIZ ARAÚJO?

A natural right winger, Luiz Araújo tends to perform best when playing on the flank he's most familiar with, where he makes the most of his speed, dribbling, and finishing ability . In recent statements, the player himself acknowledged that he feels most comfortable on that side of the pitch, but he's willing to play in any role to help the team:

"I prefer to play on the right, where I'm most used to. But wherever Filipe needs me, I'll be ready . I've played on the right, the left, and inside too. My goal is to always be able to help Flamengo win," he added.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME

Available to Filipe Luís, Luiz Araújo remains an option for the duel against Ceará , this Sunday (03), for the 18th round of the Brazilian Championship. The match takes place at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), at Arena Castelão. The clash is essential for Flamengo to maintain the leadership of the competition.

Samuel Lino's debut for Flamengo caught the attention of the coaching staff and fans. Even with only one day of training before the match against Atlético-MG, the striker demonstrated personality, initiative in his plays, and a good understanding of the game. Despite the 1-0 defeat at Maracanã, Lino was the most dangerous player in the Mais Querido's attack, even having a goal disallowed late on.

The good impression left in the debut reinforced the possibility of Samuel Lino starting among the starting 11 in the match against Ceará, this Sunday (3) , at 6:30 pm, at Arena Castelão, for the 18th round of the Brasileirão. Coach Filipe Luís still leads a final training session this Saturday, but the tendency is to select the best he has available.

Flamengo is expected to have key players back, including Arrascaeta, Bruno Henrique, and Jorginho, who were rested for the final knockout match. On the other hand, the squad will be without Pedro and Wallace Yan , who are serving suspensions. Lino's entry appears to be a natural alternative to add depth and speed to the attack.

SAMUEL LINO CAN HELP ATTACK

The coaching staff sees Samuel Lino as a player capable of offering greater unpredictability in attacking plays . His one-on-one prowess could be crucial in breaking down tight defenses, a recurring challenge faced by the Mais Querido in recent rounds of the Brazilian Championship. The expectation is that, with greater chemistry, the striker will gain even more prominence.

FLAMENGO'S PROBABLE LINEUP

If Filipe Luís opts to field a full-strength lineup, the red-and-black lineup could include: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Alex Sandro; Jorginho, Allan, and Arrascaeta; Luiz Araújo, Samuel Lino, and Bruno Henrique . Flamengo is looking to bounce back in the Brasileirão and sees Lino's performance as a potential key to getting back to winning ways.

Colombian midfielder Jorge Carrasca is close to being officially announced by Flamengo, but the deal still depends on bureaucratic procedures. Dynamo Moscow, the Russian club that holds the player's rights , has not yet submitted the final documentation to complete the transfer.

Despite this, Carrascal has already undergone medical examinations in Rio de Janeiro , was approved and signed a contract with Mais Querido. The red-black board, however, is still waiting for the paperwork from Russia to officially confirm the new reinforcement. As of the afternoon of last Friday (1), the document had not yet arrived.

PLAYER WENT TO MARACANÃ

Even without an official announcement, Jorge Carrascal was present at the Maracanã stadium during Flamengo 's victory over Atlético-MG in the Copa do Brasil. The athlete's presence highlights that the final stages of the negotiations are well advanced, with only the Russian formalization remaining to complete the process.

NEGOTIATION VALUE

To facilitate Carrascal 's arrival, Flamengo agreed to pay 12 million euros (approximately R$77.5 million) . Negotiations with Dynamo Moscow lasted more than a month and only progressed after Mengão adjusted the payment terms, as required by the European club.

NEXT APPOINTMENT

Still without Carrascal, Rubro-Negro returns to the field next Sunday (3) to face Ceará, at 6:30 pm , at Castelão (CE), for the 18th round of the Brasileirão to try to maintain the leadership of the national tournament.