Soccer

Flamengo merger: Gabigol relives celebration with Bruno Henrique, but gesture causes outrage

Before the match, the striker made a classic symbol from the times of the red-black duo with Bruno Henrique and generated criticism on social media

Gabigol and Bruno Henrique revive the "fusion" gesture before Cruzeiro x Flamengo, at Mineirão (Photo: Reproduction/ TNT Sports)
Gabigol and Bruno Henrique revive the "fusion" gesture before Cruzeiro x Flamengo, at Mineirão (Photo: Reproduction/ TNT Sports)

04 Mai 2025 | 22:35 |

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The reunion between Gabigol and Bruno Henrique this Sunday (4), at Mineirão, was a reminder of the golden days at Flamengo, but it also generated controversy off the pitch. Minutes before the kick-off between Cruzeiro and Flamengo, for the fifth round of the Brasileirão, Gabigol went to the red-black bench and starred in the traditional celebration of the "merger" alongside Bruno Henrique.




The celebration, marked by years of success for the duo in achievements such as the 2019 and 2022 Libertadores and the 2019 and 2020 Brazilian Championships, was not well received on social media. Many fans interpreted the gesture as an attempt at “marketing” by the number 99, currently on loan to Cruzeiro until the end of the season.



THE FANS REUNION


The celebration of the merger, inspired by the Dragon Ball Z cartoon, became popular at Flamengo when Gabigol and Bruno Henrique decided matches together. The movement, with the two leaning their bodies and touching their hands above their heads, became the duo's trademark. "Fake, just like the photo of him wearing the Corinthians jersey," joked one internet user. Another pointed out: "Just to curry favor with the fans, because they don't even talk. Bruno Henrique himself said that."


GABIGOL AND FLAMENGO

The gesture came before Gabigol even entered the field. On the other side, Bruno Henrique started on the bench and came on at the beginning of the second half, replacing Everton Cebolinha, who felt muscle pain. Gabigol, in turn, was only called into action at 43 minutes of the second half. With few touches of the ball, he had a golden chance: he took the penalty in injury time, but was stopped by Rossi, who defended firmly and guaranteed the draw at Mineirão.


The game ended 1-1. Kaio Jorge scored for Cruzeiro early in the match, and Arrascaeta equalized in the first half, completing a good play by Gerson on the left. The point earned keeps Flamengo at the top of the table, now with 11 points, but did not save the team from criticism for its below-par performance.



Soccer

It's out! Flamengo is scheduled to face Atlético-MG in the Copa do Brasil.

Mengão's lineup confirmed for the decisive duel against Galo in the knockout stage of the national tournament and with Mais Querido needing to win

With Arrascaeta and Jorginho among the starters, Rubro-Negro will go with full strength against Atlético-MG - photo: Flamengo
With Arrascaeta and Jorginho among the starters, Rubro-Negro will go with full strength against Atlético-MG - photo: Flamengo

06 Ago 2025 | 17:55 |

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After the 1-0 defeat at Maracanã, Flamengo arrives in Belo Horizonte determined to seek qualification for the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil. The decisive match against Atlético-MG takes place this Wednesday (6), at 7 pm , at Arena MRV, with broadcast by Gazeta do Urubu.


Flamengo's starting lineup has already been defined for the big decision , with the best it has: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas; Jorginho, Everton Araújo and Wallace Yan; Plata, Cebolinha and Pedro .


ARRASCAETA RETURNS TO THE TEAM


Arrascaeta, who was even left off the bench in the first leg, is back after tests revealed no injury. The number 10 takes center stage in midfield alongside Evertton Araújo and Jorginho . Suspended in the last Brasileirão game, the number 21 also returns to the team.

ATTACK REINFORCED WITH PLATA AND SAMUEL LINO


Up front, Filipe Luís maintains the attacking trio of Pedro, Plata, and Cebolinha . The coach acknowledged that the former Atlético striker may have been significantly fatigued against Ceará, but the need to win by two goals makes his presence crucial.

VARELA IS CHOSEN ON THE RIGHT SIDE

At right-back, the battle between Varela and Emerson Royal ended with the Uruguayan being chosen as the starter . On the left, Ayrton Lucas continues to hold the position, with Alex Sandro and Viña being rested – the latter due to the artificial turf at Arena MRV.


Soccer

Live: follow the game between Flamengo x Atlético-MG in the Copa do Brasil

With a disadvantage on the scoreboard, Filipe Luís' team needs to win away from home to advance to the quarterfinals of the competition.

Atlético-MG and Flamengo compete for a place in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil in a decisive clash at Arena MRV, with live broadcast - photo: reproduction
Atlético-MG and Flamengo compete for a place in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil in a decisive clash at Arena MRV, with live broadcast - photo: reproduction

06 Ago 2025 | 17:30 |

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Atlético-MG and Flamengo face each other this Wednesday (6), at 7 pm (Brasília time), at Arena MRV, in Belo Horizonte, for the second leg of the round of 16 of the 2025 Copa do Brasil . The broadcast will be live on the Sportv and Premiere channels. However, fans can follow the commentary on Flamengo TV (link below).


In the first leg, played at Maracanã, Galo prevailed, winning 1-0, giving the Minas Gerais team the advantage of a draw to advance. Mengão, now coached by Filipe Luís , needs to win by one goal to force a penalty shootout. A victory by two or more goals secures direct qualification to the quarterfinals.


FOLLOW LIVE



FLAMENGO'S SHORTAGES


Flamengo will have significant absences for the match. Bruno Henrique and Luiz Araújo were not included due to physical stress management, a precaution taken by the medical department after a busy streak.

Given this, Filipe Luís will have to reorganize his attacking side to maintain his attacking power and secure a positive result away from home. Rubro-Negro hasn't won in two consecutive matches, against Atlético-MG and Ceará, which increases the pressure for a strong performance.


Soccer

Filipe Luís's Flamengo could reach its centennial milestone against Atlético-MG

Mengão is looking for a victory by more than two goals against Galo in the Copa do Brasil and if they reach the direct spot, they will achieve a feat for the coach.

Filipe Luís's Flamengo is close to reaching 100 goals and could achieve it against Atlético-MG - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo
Filipe Luís's Flamengo is close to reaching 100 goals and could achieve it against Atlético-MG - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo

06 Ago 2025 | 16:27 |

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Flamengo returns to the field this Wednesday (06), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), to face Atlético-MG, at Arena MRV, in a decisive clash for the round of 16 of the Copa Betano do Brasil . With an eye on the sixth title of the competition, Rubro-Negro sees the duel as a key moment for the season.


Beyond its sporting significance, the match could mark a symbolic milestone for Filipe Luís. Since taking over the team in October 2024, the former full-back has been a key player in an attacking and effective Flamengo team. According to Sofascore data, under his leadership, the team has scored 98 goals in 58 matches , an average of 1.69 goals per match. Now, the club is just two goals away from reaching the 100-goal mark under the current coach.


ARRASCAETA NECESSARY


Uruguayan Giorgian De Arrascaeta is the leading scorer of the "Filipinho Era," with 16 goals, and is a pillar of the team in the finals. Luiz Araújo and Bruno Henrique have also been excelling and are among the top scorers of the period, bolstering the red-and-black's attacking prowess.

With a skilled squad, solid performance, and a thriving attack, Flamengo arrives confidently to face Galo and fight for a spot in the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals. Mengão needs to win by two goals to qualify without resorting to penalty kicks, which would guarantee the coach his centennial milestone.


PROBABLE LINEUPS

ATLÉTICO-MG: Everson; Saravia, Lyanco, Junior Alonso and Arana (Scarpa); Alexsander, Alan Franco, Scarpa (Igor Gomes); Ron, Hulk and Cuello. Coach: Cuca

FLAMENGO: Rossi; Emerson Royal, Leo Ortiz, Leo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Allan, Jorginho, Arrascaeta; Luiz Araújo, Samuel Lino and Pedro. Coach: Filipe Luis


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