Soccer
It's out! Check out Flamengo's lineup to face Internacional in the Copa Libertadores.
20 Ago 2025 | 14:43
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Soccer
07 Mai 2025 | 08:51 |
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After a turbulent first year of adaptation, Nicolás De La Cruz is starting to live up to expectations at Flamengo in 2025. Signed for more than R$100 million from River Plate , the Uruguayan midfielder has been standing out not only technically, but also for the physical leap that has put him back close to the best version he showed in Argentina .
The encouraging start to 2024 had already shown signs of recovery, but it is the consistency this year that has been celebrated behind the scenes at the club. With more consistency and fewer muscular problems, De La Cruz has been a key player in Filipe Luís ' scheme and shows that he is increasingly adapted to the routine of Brazilian football.
Last month, the Uruguayan reached his second longest streak as a starter since joining the club: eight consecutive games. In 2024, he played ten games in a row . The only reason his current streak wasn't longer was because he was spared from the clashes against Juventude and LDU, due to fatigue.
Flamengo maintains a physical plan that combines collective activities and individualized programs, according to the needs of each player. The athletes are evaluated daily and fill out questionnaires that feed the technical committee meetings, always looking for the answer to what is best for the athlete .
The objective is to enhance the recovery processes that we already carry out at the club..."
In the case of De La Cruz, the club adopted a personalized strengthening and prevention protocol. According to Flamengo 's physical trainer Diogo Linhares , the midfielder began to carry out complementary activities at home , always with the supervision of the club's physiotherapist.
“Nico started a complementary routine at home in 2025, with the support of the club's physiotherapist. The goal is to enhance the recovery processes that we already do at the club, with preventive approaches , increasing strength and power levels. When he shows some pain, some exacerbated fatigue in the physiology assessments, we do this load control respecting his limits ”, explained Diogo, in an interview with the portal 'GE'.
With notable spells at River Plate between 2017 and 2023 and called up for the 2022 World Cup by Uruguay, De La Cruz arrived at Flamengo surrounded by expectations. However, he ended 2024 in a low , mainly due to not being able to maintain a sequence of physical fitness. Now, with individualized work and more comfortable at the club, the number 18 finally seems to be rediscovering his best football — and justifying the high investment made by the board.
Uruguayan is in great form in 2025, scored in the 2-0 victory over Internacional and highlighted the importance of securing advancement to the quarterfinals
21 Ago 2025 | 01:00 |
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Having scored the first goal in the 2-0 victory over Internacional , Arrascaeta is enjoying one of the best moments of his career. The Uruguayan number 10 has reached 15 goals this season, along with 11 assists , figures that place him as the sole leader among Flamengo 's top scorers in 2025.
" I'm happy to be able to help the team, whether with a goal or an assist. On the field, that's the most important thing for me. I'm happy, I'm able to get into the box and score. However, the most important thing was to come out with the qualification," said the midfielder after the match at Beira-Rio.
With the victory at Beira-Rio, the Red-Blacks confirmed their place in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores and will face Estudiantes-ARG. In addition to Arrascaeta's goal, Pedro scored the second after a cross from Luiz Araújo, the team's second-highest scorer in 2025. Even with more than 43,000 fans in attendance, the Colorados were unable to convert the pressure into goals and were eliminated.
The Gaucho team fought back but struggled to overcome the red-and-black defense. Players like Enner Valencia and Ricardo Mathias had opportunities, but were thwarted by Rossi's defensive solidity and saves, who held on without any major scares.
With the victory, Mengão remains firm in its search for another international title. The team returns to the field next Monday (25), when it faces Vitória in the Brazilian Championship , before beginning preparations for the decisive clash against Estudiantes, valid for the quarterfinals of the Libertadores.
After a goalless draw in the second leg, the Argentine team advanced and will face Rubro-Negro, who eliminated Internacional with victories in both games of the round of 16.
21 Ago 2025 | 00:13 |
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Estudiantes secured their place in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores after drawing 0-0 with Cerro Porteño on Wednesday night (20) at the Jorge Luis Hirschi stadium in La Plata, Greater Buenos Aires. With the result, the Argentine team advanced to face Mais Querido in the next phase of the competition. The return match will be held in Argentina again, as the Argentines had a superior campaign in the group stage.
Flamengo confirmed its favoritism by eliminating Internacional. After winning 1-0 at Maracanã, Filipe Luís's team also triumphed on the road, winning 2-0 at Beira-Rio . The goals of the match were scored by Arrascaeta, in the first half, and Pedro, who came on as a substitute during the second half and sealed the victory.
Just 26 minutes into the first half, Samuel Lino advanced down the left and shot. Goalkeeper Rochet miskicked the ball, Plata headed it, and Arrascaeta appeared to finish first time , scoring his 15th goal of the season. Shortly after, Bruno Henrique found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
In the final stretch of the match, striker Pedro came off the bench to replace Bruno Henrique and made his mark . In the 42nd minute of the second half, after a corner kick from Luiz Araújo and a deflection from Léo Pereira, the center forward finished into the back of the net, sealing the victory and qualification.
With the victories over Internacional , the Rubro-Negro remains firmly in the hunt for the continental title . Their next opponent will be Estudiantes, who will decide the spot at home. The first match will be at Maracanã, and the return leg is scheduled for La Plata, promising a tight duel in the hunt for the competition's semifinals.
With goals from Arrascaeta and Pedro, Rubro-Negro defeated Colorado 2-0 at Beira-Rio and confirmed their qualification for the next stage of the tournament.
20 Ago 2025 | 23:52 |
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Flamengo qualified for the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores after defeating Internacional 2-0. The match started evenly, with Internacional trying to press in the opening minutes. Despite this, the home team failed to convert possession into clear-cut chances. Flamengo capitalized on a mistake by goalkeeper Rochet and opened the scoring with Arrascaeta , who finished into the net after a play initiated by Samuel Lino and Plata.
The Uruguayan, the season's standout, reached 15 goals and 11 assists in 2025, playing a key role in the team's campaign. In the final stage, Flamengo controlled the pace and exploited counterattacks effectively.
Pedro extended the lead after a corner kick from Luiz Araújo, capitalizing on a deflection from Léo Pereira to score the second. Internacional still tried to fight back, even hitting the post with a shot from Borré, but were thwarted by the opponent's solid defense and a strong performance from Rossi.
Despite the support of more than 43,000 fans at Beira-Rio, Colorado failed to convert its crowd into offensive effectiveness. Roger Machado's changes barely changed the game's complexion. Enner Valencia and Ricardo Mathias had chances but were unable to overcome the red-and-black defense.
With a 2-0 victory, the Rio de Janeiro team secures a spot in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores and keeps alive the hope of expanding its international trove of achievements. The team now turns its attention to the season's upcoming matches , buoyed by the consistency and confidence gained in this qualification.
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