GABIGOL SHOULD BE REPORTED AGAINST FORTALEZA THIS THURSDAY

Flamengo started the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil at a disadvantage, after losing 1-0 to Atlético-MG on Thursday night (31), at Maracanã. Despite having more possession, the team led by Filipe Luís was unable to break down the opposing defense and saw their rivals take the lead in the knockout match. The result puts pressure on Mais Querido, who will need to reverse the situation away from home to advance in the competition.

After the derby , full-back Guillermo Varela analyzed the team's performance and already predicted the decisive match against Atlético-MG. For the player, a narrow advantage doesn't determine qualification, but he believes a high-intensity atmosphere will emerge in the second leg.

Varela predicts Flamengo vs Atlético-MG: "It will have to be at war"

"We know Atlético-MG is a great team, with great players. They're doing their part, trying to distract us. It's part of the game too. There (in Minas Gerais), it's going to be a battle. We only have one goal advantage. We haven't discussed anything yet; we'll analyze what we did well and poorly. We have Sunday first, which is very important for us. Then, this decision. It's still open," said Varela .

FLAMENGO DOMINATES POSSESSION

Despite dominating possession, Mengão struggled with their opponent's efficiency . The only goal came in the 20th minute of the second half, after a mistake by Léo Pereira , which resulted in Cuello's goal. The home defeat forces the Rio de Janeiro team to seek a victory by two or more goals in the second leg to avoid elimination in the round of 16.

RETURN GAME BETWEEN ATLÉTICO-MG

The reunion between the teams already has a set date. Flamengo and Atlético-MG will face each other again next Wednesday (06) , at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Arena MRV. Filipe Luís ' team needs to win by two goals to qualify directly, or by one goal to take the decision to penalties.

The president of the Corinthians Deliberative Council, Romeu Tuma Júnior, declared this Friday (1st) that the club needs to mirror Flamengo to turn things around. The speech was made during a press conference at the Parque São Jorge theater, where the internal investigations involving the club's management were addressed.

Tuma Jr. called the press to clarify doubts related to the unprecedented crisis rocking Corinthians. During the interview, he was asked about a possible date for new elections if Melo's departure is approved at the assembly scheduled for August 9th.

The director responded emphatically: " I'll score when I feel I should, and as soon as possible. Corinthians needs to turn this page to rise from the ashes; it needs to work. Do you know why? I want to fly with an eagle, an eagle flies with an eagle. We want to be a Flamengo , and we will be."

STATUTE REFORM

In addition to issues related to internal politics and the possible change in leadership, Tuma Jr. reinforced the need to reform the club's bylaws. According to him, this is a long-standing issue that needs to be addressed urgently to ensure greater transparency and accountability in management. The reform proposal gained momentum after demonstrations by organized and independent fans at Parque São Jorge.

"We have other pressing matters: reforming the bylaws is my number one priority. I've been fighting for this for many years, ever since I was just a board member. Unfortunately, it wasn't possible. We received proposals from people who love Corinthians and want to change the bylaws," said Tuma, who pledged to move forward with the debate this semester.

CORINTHIANS SEEKS INSPIRATION

Using the example of Flamengo , which faced severe financial and structural crises before establishing itself as a powerhouse in South American football , Romeu Tuma Jr. points to a path of hope and reconstruction. The director's speech shows an intention for transformation, as Bandeira de Mello initiated at the club in 2013.

One day after making his debut for Flamengo in the match against Atlético-MG , valid for the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil, Samuel Lino was officially presented at Ninho do Urubu this Friday (1st). The striker celebrated his return to the Rio de Janeiro club and revealed the main reasons that led him to choose Rubro-Negro , even in the face of attractive proposals from European and Arab football.

"It's true that I had very interesting offers from Europe, financially sound offers from Saudi Arabia. But when Flamengo came along with a good offer too, I thought: it's a huge club, a club I've played for and that's always competing for titles , in the top spots, with many players on the Brazilian national team," the player declared.

IDENTIFICATION WITH THE CLUB AND BRAZILIAN ROUTINE

The player emphasized that, in addition to the club's importance, other factors, such as being closer to his family and the Brazilian cultural environment, influenced his decision. The striker emphasized the importance of reconnecting with elements of his daily life , such as the language and local cuisine, strengthening his emotional bond with the country and the club.

Samuel Lino reveals his choice for Flamengo: "That attracted me much more"

" That attracted me much more than the projects I was offered in Europe and other countries. When you're at a huge club and also close to my family, speaking my language, eating Brazilian food. Everything counted a lot for me to be here today at Flamengo," added the number 16.

DEBUT WITH GOOD PERFORMANCE EXCITES THE FANS

Samuel Lino entered the field 13 minutes into the second half in place of Matheus Gonçalves. Despite his limited playing time, Mengão's new signing was one of the team's standout players , creating good attacking chances. He even found the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Still, his performance was positive and excited the coaching staff and fans.