Gabigol, Ex-Flamengo, shines for Cruzeiro and pushes the Mais Querido to victory

Wesley's departure paved the way for Guillermo Varela to take over as Flamengo's starting right-back. Despite Emerson Royal's arrival, the new signing is still struggling to adapt and find his rhythm, giving the Uruguayan a chance to establish himself in the position.

Starting in the Copa do Brasil match against Atlético-MG, the full-back performed consistently both defensively and offensively , despite the team's penalty shootout. He didn't play in the previous match against Ceará in the Campeonato Brasileiro , giving way to Royal, who isn't yet fully fit. While the newly signed player seeks to establish himself, the veteran remains in the running for a starting spot.

CONTRACT RENEWAL

Besides competing on the field, Varela is also experiencing a significant moment off it. The full-back's contract with the club runs until the end of 2025 and, starting mid-next year , could sign a pre-contract with another team. However, his desire is to remain at Mengão.

Negotiations for the renewal began in March and have always been positive. According to information gathered by Gazeta do Urubu , the final details of the new contract have already been finalized. The official announcement is expected in the coming days, after adjustments to the player's requested amount.

VERSATILITY PLEASE THE COMMISSION

Throughout the season, Varela stood out for his versatility. Besides performing well at right back, he also played on the left when coach Filipe Luís needed to cover for absences . At specific moments, he even played as a defensive midfielder, a position for which he also received praise. This versatility was one of the factors that influenced the board to move forward with the renewal.

After beating Mirassol in the Brazilian Championship last Saturday (09) and enjoying Sunday off, the Flamengo squad returned this Monday (11) to begin preparations for the next commitment.

The opponent will be Internacional, in a first-leg match of the Copa Libertadores Round of 16. Under the command of Filipe Luís, the athletes began training this morning at CT Ninho do Urubu, fully focused on the duel that will be played at Maracanã.

TRAINING SCHEDULE

On Monday, the group trained at 9:30 am. On Tuesday (12), work begins at 3:30 pm and should serve for the coach to define the starting lineup to face Internacional. The duel is scheduled for Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), and will be the first of 180 minutes to decide who advances to the quarterfinals.

EXPECTATION OF A FULL HOUSE

The Maracanã is expected to have a good crowd to support Flamengo in the first leg of the knockout stage . Fans hope the team will take advantage of home advantage and build an advantage for the second leg. For those unable to attend the stadium, the match will be broadcast live on TV Globo (free-to-air), ESPN (pay TV), and Disney+ (streaming).

GAME SERVICE

Monday (11): Training – 9:30 am

Tuesday (12): Training – 3:30 pm

Wednesday (13): Flamengo x Internacional – 9:30 pm (Maracanã)

Starting this Monday (11), Flamengo fan club members have early access to purchase tickets for the final of the U-20 Intercontinental Cup. The match will be played against Barcelona, from Spain, on August 23, at 4:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã.

Rubro-Negro , the current Copa Libertadores champion in the category, is seeking its second consecutive world title. Last year, it defeated Olympiacos of Greece, under Filipe Luís. Created in 2022, the U-20 Intercontinental Cup has already had finals in Montevideo, Buenos Aires, and Rio de Janeiro.

The first champion was Benfica in 2022. The following year, Boca Juniors took the trophy, while Mengão lifted the trophy in the previous edition. The competition features the U-20 Libertadores champion and the UEFA Youth League winner.

SALES CALENDAR

The club announced that ticket sales will follow specific stages. Between August 11th and 13th, different categories of the Maracanã Nation program will have priority access. The general public will be able to purchase tickets starting August 14th, exclusively online. In-person sales and free ticket collection will take place on August 20th. The Maracanã 2025 Package is not valid for this match.

VALUES VARY

Prices for members range from R$11.25 to R$165, while the general public will pay between R$45 and R$300, depending on the section chosen. At Maracanã Mais, for example, tickets range from R$131.25 for Nação Maraca 1 to R$300 for non-members. The visitor area at Gate B will cost R$80 (half-price tickets are R$40).