Flamengo faces Toros de Chiriquí to close the group stage of the Champions League of the Americas

The atmosphere behind the scenes in Brazilian soccer has heated up again due to the dispute over broadcast fees in Libra . One of the targets of the controversy is Flamengo, which is seeking to increase its share of the group's revenue. The Rio de Janeiro club's stance has generated dissatisfaction, especially at Palmeiras , whose leadership has taken a harsh stance.

Leila Pereira, president of Palmeiras: "Now there are the flamethrowers, who believe that the solar system revolves around Flamengo"

Alviverde president Leila Pereira mocked the Flamengo's stance when commenting on the issue in an interview with GE TV: "Aren't there flat-Earthers, who believe the Earth is flat? Now there are flame-earthers, who believe the solar system revolves around Flamengo. And that's not how it is, folks. No one is bigger or more important than anyone else . We have to keep our feet on the ground," she declared.

THE FLAMENGO MOVEMENT IN LIBRA

The Flamengo board, led by Rodolfo Landim when the original contract was signed and now led by Bap, is seeking to renegotiate the amounts paid to the clubs. Flamengo considers the current agreement unfair and is trying to increase its revenue .

Amidst the uncertainty, Mais Querido managed to block a transfer of R$77 million, corresponding to 30% of the audience share , destined for the other members of Libra, which increased the dissatisfaction of rivals such as Palmeiras , São Paulo and Santos.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME

While the political issue continues behind the scenes, the red-black squad remains focused on the field. The next match will be this Sunday (5), against Bahia, at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), at Arena Fonte Nova, for the 27th round of the Brasileirão. The match will be broadcast on Premiere (pay-per-view).

After the goalless draw against Cruzeiro , Filipe Luís was asked about the performance of Samuel Lino, who was not as effective as in recent games , and detailed his choice of substitution during the match.

" I replaced Lino because he really wasn't playing well. It was a strategic decision to put Bruno (Henrique) against William, Cruzeiro's full-back. Bruno even got sent off. I believed we needed something different in that area of the field," he explained.

As he left the field, Samuel Lino was booed by the fans. Filipe Luís, in a firm tone, came to the striker's defense and asked for understanding: " He's already demonstrated his quality here. It's normal to fluctuate, especially with the tough streak he's had. The Libertadores match was very demanding, as was the one against Corinthians . Dribblers are the ones who lose the ball the most, and it's important to understand that I'm the one asking him to take risks," he said.

FLAMENGO X CRUZEIRO

In a head-to-head clash at the top of the table, Flamengo and Cruzeiro played a tight match at the Maracanã. In the first half, the Minas Gerais team closed well, preventing any major scoring chances, and threatened the red-and-black team, which was saved by Rossi and Alex Sandro.

In the second half, after Filipe Luís's changes, Cruzeiro managed to create more opportunities but failed to break down the opposing defense, with only two significant chances. Cruzeiro also barely threatened goalkeeper Rossi.

NEXT APPOINTMENT

With the draw, Flamengo remains in the lead, but now focuses on the next match in the Brasileirão. The team faces Bahia away from home and Filipe Luís will have the mission of adjusting the team . The game takes place next Sunday (05), at Arena Fonte Nova, at 6:30 pm (Brasília time).

The duel between Bahia and Flamengo, this Sunday (5), at 6:30 pm, for the 27th round of the Brazilian Championship, promises to be a real test for the resistance of the squads. While Rubro-Negro will have mandatory changes in defense , Tricolor de Aço may face an even more dramatic scenario, with up to 13 absences.

FLAMENGO WITHOUT A STARTING DEFENSIVE DUO

Coach Filipe Luís has already confirmed two absences: Alex Sandro and Léo Pereira . Both received their third yellow cards in the draw against Cruzeiro and are serving automatic suspensions. The pair's absence forces the coach to redesign his defensive system in a match considered crucial in the battle for the top spot.

CRISIS IN BAHIA: UP TO 13 PLAYERS OUT

If Flamengo 's mission is to reorganize its defense, Rogério Ceni's is practically a puzzle . Bahia could have 13 players unavailable due to suspensions and a busy medical department.

Among those suspended are Luciano Juba , who was injured and also received a card, as well as Santiago Arias, Rodrigo Nestor, and Gabriel Xavier , all for accumulated cards. Striker Mateo Sanabria, sent off against Botafogo, is also out. Defender Ramos Mingo left the field injured in the last round.

MEDICAL DEPARTMENT FULL

The Tricolor's medical department remains overwhelmed. Seven athletes remain in recovery, with no return date scheduled before the next FIFA World Cup. Among them are big names like Kanu, Caio Alexandre, and João Paulo . The only case closer to a return is defender David Duarte, who is in transition but has not yet fully trained with the group.