Flamengo x Volta Redonda - Where to watch, likely lineup and time

Flamengo expressed strong dissatisfaction with the recent change in the Brazilian Championship calendar, promoted by the CBF. The measure, which brings forward the final round of the competition, was classified by the club's board as a "turnaround," according to journalist Bernardo Ramos. In the club's view, the change directly benefits its title contenders, especially Cruzeiro.

Flamengo's main complaint is the anticipation of the last round of the Brasileirão , rescheduled from December 21st to December 7th. The decision reduces the period scheduled for rest and training by two weeks , something considered detrimental to a team that is still simultaneously fighting for the national title, the Libertadores and the Intercontinental Cup.

FLAMENGO MUST ISSUE NOTE

According to Bernardo Ramos, the Rio de Janeiro club will formally express its dissatisfaction with the Brazilian Football Confederation. An official statement is expected to be published in the coming days , directly citing competition director Júlio Avelar and the organization's president, Samir Xaud, as responsible for the controversial decision.

CBF CLAIMS NEED FOR ADJUSTMENTS

According to the investigation, the CBF justified the advance based on the elimination of Flamengo, Palmeiras and São Paulo in the Copa do Brasil, as the three clubs are the only Brazilian clubs remaining in the Libertadores.

However, if either of them wins the continental competition, the new date for the final round of the Brasileirão will leave a minimum gap before the Club World Cup debut. The tournament's semifinal is scheduled for December 10 against Cruz Azul-MEX , should the team advance.

The change reignites debates about the governance of Brazilian football and the relationship between clubs and the governing body . Although the CBF argues that the measure seeks to adjust the calendar, experts point out that it could directly affect the competitiveness and balance of the championship's final stretch.

Flamengo and Vitória take to the field this Monday (25), at 9 pm (Brasília time) , at Maracanã, for the 21st round of the Brazilian Championship . The match will be broadcast live on Sportv and Premiere channels , ensuring broad coverage for fans.

The Mais Querido comes into the match on a high after securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores by eliminating Internacional. In the Brasileirão, the team has 43 points and sits atop the competition , two points ahead of second-place Cruzeiro, who won their match last Saturday and reached 41 points.

PROBABLE LINEUP

The team led by Filipe Luís should go to the field with: Rossi; Varela (Royal), Léo Ortiz (Danilo), Léo Pereira, Alex Sandro; Jorginho, Saúl, Arrascaeta, Plata (Luiz Araújo), Samuel Lino and Pedro.

The coach is likely to repeat the lineup that beat Internacional, at least with a similar base . It's worth remembering that Flamengo will have a week off to rest and work, as they won't return to the field until the 30th to face Grêmio.

FLAMENGO'S DEFAULT

For this round, the team will be without Erick Pulgar, who is still recovering from surgery on his right foot . The midfielder is the only absence confirmed by coach Filipe Luís, who is expected to maintain the core of the starting lineup.

Matías Viña, currently Flamengo's third-choice left-back , has been targeted by Vasco da Gama to bolster their defense. The interest arises from the possibility of Lucas Piton, the club's starting midfielder, leaving this transfer window.

At 26, the Uruguayan hasn't been used by Filipe Luís and hasn't played since the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 against Internacional. Despite the lack of opportunities, the club's management doesn't plan to release him at this time, keeping him as a player for emergency situations.

VASCO SEEKS OPTIONS IN THE MARKET

For Vasco, the search for a player with international experience and experience is a priority, and Viña meets those requirements. Sources close to the player indicate that he welcomes the opportunity to play at São Januário , especially to gain playing time as he seeks a place in the Uruguayan national team for the 2026 World Cup.

Still, negotiations are considered complex. Flamengo has shown no interest in parting ways with the player, and the player himself, while open to a move, is not pushing for a departure. Vasco continues to monitor the situation and may formalize an offer if the situation changes.

RECENT HISTORY

Viña arrived with high expectations, but is currently competing for a spot with Alex Sandro and Ayrton Lucas, falling behind in the pecking order. His goal, however, is to regain his place in the team and remain an option for coach Filipe Luís throughout Flamengo 's season.