Soccer
Former Flamengo coach criticizes Filipe Luís and cites similarities with Fernando Diniz
11 Ago 2025 | 18:27
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Soccer
02 Mai 2025 | 00:03 |
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After the 1-0 defeat to Flamengo at the Castelão Stadium, in the first leg of the third round of the Copa do Brasil, Botafogo-PB goalkeeper Michael praised the team from Paraíba's stance against the red-and-black squad. For the athlete, the firm performance of the team led by Antônio Carlos Zago demonstrated that the team is capable of competing at a high level, even against what he considers "the best team in Brazil".
The player stated that Botafogo-PB "competed on equal terms" with its opponent and showed that "everything is still open" for the return match at Maracanã. Despite the goal conceded — scored by Joshua —, Michael believes that the close result confirms the team's good performance. According to him, the team managed to hold on to the draw for much of the match and even created offensive opportunities.
It was a difficult week..."
Michael also revealed a difficult time he experienced off the field. Days before the match, the goalkeeper faced a family problem: his wife and son had to be hospitalized. According to the athlete himself, the situation directly affected his emotional preparation for the game. “ It was a difficult week, I left my wife and son feeling sick yesterday when I left the house (...). Thank God they went home, everyone is fine, ” he commented, emotionally.
Despite the difficulties, the goalkeeper emphasized that he managed to fulfill his mission on the field. With important saves, Michael was one of the highlights of the Paraíba team during the match in São Luís , reinforcing his importance in the squad and his commitment to the club.
To advance in the competition, Botafogo-PB needs to beat Flamengo by two goals at Maracanã. If the visiting team wins by just one goal, the spot will be decided on penalties. Mais Querido, in turn, seeks to maintain the minimum advantage and guarantee qualification for the round of 16. Current five-time champion, the club remains firm in the fight for the sixth Copa do Brasil title in 2025.
The defender continues to improve physically and should return to the field against Internacional in the Brasileirão, after a six-match absence.
11 Ago 2025 | 19:10 |
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Since the victory over Fluminense on July 20, Flamengo's defense has faced a challenge in the absence of Danilo. The defender has missed six consecutive games, including the Copa do Brasil round of 16, but is showing significant progress in his recovery and is expected to return to training with the squad later this week.
Despite the progress, his participation against Internacional, this Wednesday (13), at Maracanã, for the Libertadores , is ruled out. The technical committee opts for caution, aiming to avoid the risk of new injury.
The internal expectation is that Danilo will be available for the match against Colorado, valid for the Brazilian Championship, next Sunday (17), at 6:30 pm, at Beira-Rio. If the return is confirmed, the defender's presence will bring more stability to the defensive system and allow strategic rest for Léo Ortiz and Léo Pereira, who have been playing without rest since his injury.
Without Danilo, the central defender duo has started all six recent games , amassing 540 minutes of unsubstituted play. Their teammate's return is seen as crucial to relieving the strain and offering coach Filipe Luís new options.
During the period without the defender, Flamengo faced crucial challenges. In addition to the Copa do Brasil match against Atlético-MG, which ended in elimination, the team played four Brasileirão matches, winning three and drawing one.
The sole decision of the continental tournament takes place on November 29, in Peru, repeating the stage of the 2019 final won by Flamengo over River Plate.
11 Ago 2025 | 19:05 |
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On Monday afternoon (11), Conmebol confirmed that the 2025 Copa Libertadores da América final will be played at the Monumental Stadium in Lima, Peru, on November 29. This will be the second time that the venue hosts a tournament decision, after having hosted Flamengo 's historic victory over River Plate in 2019.
The arena, which belongs to the University Club and seats approximately 80,000 spectators , was chosen by the organization after the Peruvian capital had already been confirmed as the host city in April. Brasília and Montevideo were also in the running, but were left out of the final selection.
2019: Flamengo 2 x 1 River Plate (Monumental, Lima)
2020: Palmeiras 1 x 0 Santos (Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro)
2021: Palmeiras 2 x 1 Flamengo (Centenary, Montevideo)
2022: Flamengo 1 x 0 Athletico-PR (Monumental de Guayaquil)
2023: Fluminense 2 x 1 Boca Juniors (Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro)
2024: Botafogo 3 x 1 Atlético-MG (Monumental of Núñez, Buenos Aires)
2025: Monumental de Lima
The road to the final in Peru begins this Wednesday (13), when Flamengo and Internacional face each other in the first leg of the round of 16, at 9:30 pm, at Maracanã. The return leg is scheduled for the 20th, at Beira-Rio. Between these two clashes for the Libertadores , the teams also face each other for the Brazilian Championship.
Former midfielder and commentator claims that the winner of the clash between the red-blacks and colorados could reach the final, also citing Botafogo and Palmeiras
11 Ago 2025 | 18:47 |
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Former player Felipe Melo, currently a commentator for Grupo Globo , predicted the outcome of the Copa Libertadores da América and pointed out that the champion of the edition could come from the clash between Flamengo and Internacional. During his participation in the program Fechamento, on SporTV, last Sunday (10), the former midfielder also highlighted Botafogo and Palmeiras as strong contenders for the continental title.
"Saying who will beat the champion is very complicated. Who has the best chance? For me, Flamengo, Botafogo, and Palmeiras. Botafogo is growing, and they've got players coming in who are already making a difference. And Palmeiras always comes through. I think we'll indeed have another Brazilian final," he declared.
Felipe Melo emphasized that, given the crossover of the knockout stages, the team that qualifies from the duel between Flamengo and Colorado will have a good chance of reaching the final: "I think whoever gets past Flamengo and Inter will go on to win the final. Based on what's happening, I'd put those three— Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Botafogo—as the ones with the best chances ," he stated.
On the same side of the bracket, in addition to the two Brazilian teams, are Cerro Porteño-PAR, Estudiantes-ARG, Fortaleza, Racing-ARG, Peñarol-URU, and Vélez Sarsfield-ARG. For the commentator, this scenario increases the prospects of a Brazilian team advancing to the final.
The first game of the round of 16 between Flamengo and Internacional takes place this Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm , at Maracanã. The return match will be played on the 20th, at Beira-Rio.
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