Flamengo meets Atlético-MG again with a positive historical record at Maracanã

Last Thursday (31), Flamengo was defeated by Atlético-MG by 1-0 , at Maracanã, in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. Despite the negative result, the match marked the promising debut of Samuel Lino , reinforcement coming from Atlético de Madrid (ESP). After the match, coach Filipe Luís praised the striker's performance and highlighted his importance to the squad.

Filipe Luís on Samuel Lino at Flamengo: "He's exactly the kind of player we needed"

"For me, there's no such thing as a guaranteed starter. No one is guaranteed a starting spot without showing performance on the field and dedication on a daily basis. But we all know Samuel's quality , the hierarchy he brings, and how decisive he is when he gets the ball. He's exactly the kind of player we needed for this position," the coach stated.

Filipe Luís also emphasized the forward's potential impact in upcoming matches: "He's a disruptive player, capable of being decisive in the opposition's box. The pitch speaks, and whoever is better will play ," he added during the post-match press conference.

HOW WAS SAMUEL LINO'S DEBUT?

Samuel Lino entered the field 13 minutes into the second half, replacing Matheus Gonçalves. He quickly became the team's standout player: he took four shots, created two clear chances, and completed three dribbles , demonstrating speed, attacking presence, and personality in his first game for the red-and-black team.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME

With no time for regrets, Flamengo is already preparing for the next round of the Brazilian Championship . The team faces Ceará this Sunday (03), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), at Arena Castelão, in Fortaleza. The match is valid for the 18th round of the competition and will be broadcast live on Premiere.

Flamengo rejected a €15 million (around R$96 million) offer made by RB Leipzig, from Germany, for defender Léo Ortiz. The move took place this Thursday (31), the day that Rubro-Negro faced Atlético-MG in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil.

Flamengo's Léo Ortiz on proposal: "But my mind is completely focused on the game"

After the match at Maracanã, Ortiz spoke to the press in the mixed zone and discussed the interest from other clubs. Although pleased with the interest, the defender assured that he was focused on his current situation with Flamengo : " Of course, I'm happy when clubs of this size show interest . It shows that the work is being done well. But my mind is completely focused on the game, on the present, on what's happening day to day. With the string of matches we have, there's barely time to think about anything else," said the number 3.

The defender also emphasized that transfer matters are the responsibility of his staff, led by his sister and his agent. Léo Ortiz also reinforced his confidence in his team, but left the entire situation out of his hands.

"I'm fortunate to have a very competent team. My sister practically acts as my manager and, together with my agent, takes care of everything . Of course, when there's time, we talk and exchange ideas, but I trust them completely. They know what's best for my career," he added.

PHYSICAL SITUATION AND SEQUENCE OF GAMES

With a busy streak of games, Léo Ortiz and Léo Pereira have formed Flamengo's starting defensive duo. When asked about the possibility of rest, Ortiz downplayed the possibility of being rested . Without Danilo, the duo has played every match.

"Filipe always consults with us, in addition to the data coming from the physical department, physiology, and medical team. I can speak for myself and Léo: we're in very good physical shape . If there's any kind of rest, it will be the coach's decision, based on information from the committee. But personally, I'm not thinking about that at the moment," he assured.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME

After the 1-0 defeat to Atlético-MG in the Copa do Brasil, Flamengo returns to the field this Sunday (03), against Ceará , at Arena Castelão. The match is valid for the 18th round of the Brazilian Championship and is scheduled for 6:30 pm (Brasília time).

Flamengo was defeated 1-0 by Atlético-MG , last Thursday (31), at Maracanã, in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. The defeat put Rubro-Negro at a disadvantage in the knockout clash, and the answer came quickly: no rest for the squad, which returned this Friday (01), at Ninho do Urubu .

According to the club's schedule, the activity begins at 3:30 p.m. (Brasília time), with coach Filipe Luís beginning the team's preparations for the next match in the Brazilian Championship . Before training, however, Flamengo will officially introduce Samuel Lino, scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

With little time until the weekend game, the squad will have just two days of training dedicated exclusively to the next round of the Brasileirão . The opponent will be Ceará, who host Flamengo on Sunday (03), at 6:30 pm, at Arena Castelão.

HOW WAS THE DEFEAT IN THE BRAZIL CUP?

The decisive goal at Maracanã came 20 minutes into the second half. Rossi, attempting a short ball out, passed to Léo Pereira, who kept the play close to the box despite Atlético-MG's pressure . The defender attempted a pass to Léo Ortiz, but ended up handing it to Cuello, who capitalized on the error and scored the winning goal for the visitors.

FLAMENGO'S SITUATION IN THE BRAZIL CUP

With the negative result, Flamengo will need to beat Atlético-MG by at least two goals in the return game , scheduled for next Wednesday (06), at 7 pm, at Arena MRV, in Belo Horizonte. A victory by one goal takes the decision to penalties.

NEXT CHALLENGE IS FOR THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Before the decisive clash for the Copa do Brasil, Flamengo returns to the field on Sunday (03), for the 18th round of the Brazilian Championship. The team faces Ceará, away from home, in a duel scheduled for 6:30 pm (Brasília time) , with live broadcast on Premiere.