Flamengo goes to Minas Gerais looking for an impossible mission against Cruzeiro

On Wednesday night (06), Flamengo managed to beat Atlético-MG 1-0 at Arena MRV, a result that equaled the aggregate score of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. However, the Minas Gerais team won on penalties and advanced to the semifinals , winning the match 4-3.

After the game, coach Filipe Luís addressed the criticism the team has been receiving on social media and advocated for a more rational analysis of the team's current situation: " I don't even comment on social media when it comes to the demands of Flamengo fans; it's a jungle. If you're guided by social media, the truth isn't there. People are just putting everything out there," the coach began.

Filipe Luís talks about 'internet' fans: "The truth is in the stadium"

"The truth is in the stadium, when you play and the fans have a way of showing what they're feeling with boos, applause, and protests. I always tell the players the reality in a rational way : Flamengo is currently leading the Brazilian league with a game in hand. That's the truth. Flamengo won't always play well," concluded Filipe Luís.

FOCUS ON THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

After being eliminated, Flamengo is focusing its efforts on competing in the Brasileirão and the Copa Libertadores . In the national championship, the team leads with 37 points , maintaining consistency and a lead in the standings.

GAME AGAINST MIRASSOL

The next challenge will be this Saturday (09), against Mirassol, at 6:30 pm, at Maracanã, in a duel valid for the 19th round of the competition. The expectation is a full house to support Mais Querido, which seeks to extend its lead.

The year 2025 has been remarkable for Wallace Yan, full of ups and downs. At the beginning of the season, the young striker was promoted to Flamengo's professional team. In June, he shone by scoring against Chelsea in the Club World Cup semi-final . However, this Wednesday (06), he experienced the most difficult moment of his short career when he missed a penalty kick in the team's elimination from the Copa do Brasil .

Wallace Yan after Flamengo's elimination from the Copa do Brasil: "I apologize to the Nation"

After the setback against Atlético-MG, Wallace took to social media to speak out. In an Instagram post, the number 64 apologized to the red-and-black fans: " Life taught me to bounce back, to see that after the storm the sun shines, that the pain doesn't last forever . Just believe. I apologize to the Nation and will do everything to give you the joy you deserve," the player wrote.

FROM HERO TO VILLAIN IN MINUTES

Wallace came close to being the protagonist of the qualifying round. In the 36th minute of the second half, he nearly scored after a deflected ball in the box, but was unable to finish. Flamengo defeated Atlético-MG 1-0 in regulation time, tying the match on aggregate. In the penalty shootout, Samuel Lino and Wallace Yan missed , and the Minas Gerais team advanced to the quarterfinals.

In addition to the missed penalty, the young man also engaged in provocative exchanges with opponents , which generated repercussions. Even so, he was one of the match's standout players, actively participating. Hulk and Lyanco publicly complained about the player's actions.

COACH SUPPORT

After the elimination, coach Filipe Luís came to the striker's defense: " He has a lot of personality. He doesn't hide, he'll take on anyone . He's been the center of attention, but Lyanco isn't a saint, and neither are Everson or Hulk. Provocations are part of the game. In high-level football, no one accepts losing. As long as there's no violence, he's in. Wallace played a great game and executed the game plan. He has personality and a bright future ahead of him," the coach stated.

OPPORTUNITY FOR A NEW START

Wallace Yan will have the chance to get back on his feet next Saturday (09), when Flamengo faces Mirassol, at 6:30 pm, at Maracanã , for the 19th round of the Brazilian Championship. The match is worth remaining at the top of the competition, and could mark a new chapter in the young striker's trajectory with the red-black shirt.

Conmebol has defined the refereeing for the match between Flamengo and Internacional , valid for the first leg of the round of 16 of the 2025 Copa Libertadores da América. The match will take place on August 13th, at Maracanã, and will be officiated by an all-Argentine team.

The referee will be Dario Herrera, an experienced and respected figure in South American football . Accustomed to officiating high-level, high-pressure matches, Herrera will be responsible for overseeing a match that promises to be intense and technically skilled. The assistant referees will also be Argentine: Gabriel Chade and Facundo Rodríguez. Hernán Mastrángelo will be in charge of VAR, maintaining the uniformity of the refereeing team.

The selection of an all-Argentine team reflects CONMEBOL's efforts to ensure impartiality, consistency, and neutrality , especially considering this is a matchup between two Brazilian clubs with a long history in the competition. Flamengo and Internacional have already played remarkable matches in the Copa Libertadores—constantly evenly matched and packed with excitement.

LIBERTADORES RETROSPECT

Flamengo and Internacional met for the first time in the Copa Libertadores in 2019, also in the round of 16. In the first leg, played at Maracanã on August 21, Flamengo won 2-0, with Bruno Henrique scoring both goals and leading a strong collective performance.

In the return leg, at Beira-Rio, Internacional took the lead with a goal from Rodrigo Lindoso, but Gabigol scored the equalizer, making it 1-1 and securing Flamengo's qualification with an aggregate score of 3-1. That match was part of the historic campaign that culminated in the second Libertadores title, ending a 38-year drought for the Rio de Janeiro club in the competition.

EXPECTATION FOR THE CONFRONTATION

A full house is expected at Maracanã, with the red-and-black fans supporting from the first minute . On the other hand, Internacional arrives motivated, looking for a positive result away from home to decide the spot in Porto Alegre the following week.