Soccer

Gonzalo Plata makes explosive return to Ecuador with Flamengo and returns to Libertadores

Mengão striker will play at home for the first time wearing the red-black shirt and could be a key player given the altitude in Quito

Gonzalo Plata trains in Ecuador before Flamengo x LDU for the Libertadores, ready to play at home with the Red-Black Mantle. (Photo/CRF)
Gonzalo Plata trains in Ecuador before Flamengo x LDU for the Libertadores, ready to play at home with the Red-Black Mantle. (Photo/CRF)

21 Abr 2025 | 15:39 |

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On Tuesday night (22), Flamengo will take to the field for the third round of the group stage of the Copa Libertadores, in an important duel against LDU, in Quito. For Gonzalo Plata, the match will have a special flavor: it will be the first time that the Ecuadorian striker will play in his country wearing the red-and-black shirt. The match promises to be remarkable for the player, who will meet again the club he has faced only once in his career.




PERSONAL RETROSPECT AND FIRST MEETING WITH LDU



Plata 's only duel against LDU took place on October 28, 2018, when he was still wearing the Independiente del Valle jersey. On that occasion, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, and the young striker was a starter. Seven years later, he returns to the Casa Blanca stadium with a new protagonism and the expectation of making a difference in a decisive game for Mengão.



A QUICK PASSAGE THROUGH ECUADORIAN FOOTBALL


Despite being one of the strongest names in the Ecuadorian national team, Plata had little time playing professionally in local football. He only played 28 matches and scored one goal for Del Valle. In 2019, the gem was sold to Sporting, in Portugal, where he took his first steps in European football. There, he played in 28 games, scoring four goals and contributing five assists.


After Sporting, the striker was loaned to Real Valladolid in Spain. He has played the most for the Spanish team to date: 67 matches, seven goals and ten assists. His good performance led the Spanish club to acquire his rights permanently in July 2022. However, his stay in Spain was short-lived. The following year, Plata was traded to Al-Sadd in Qatar for 12 million euros.


Wearing the Al-Sadd jersey, the Ecuadorian had an impressive season. In 33 matches, he scored 12 goals and contributed eight assists. Despite his short stint in Asian football, he caught the attention of other markets. In August 2024, Flamengo confirmed the signing of the player, betting on his potential and offensive versatility.


Soccer

Big bucks! Flamengo receives a million-dollar offer from a new sponsor

With a million-dollar offer, the betting house tries to occupy Pixbet's space on the red-black shirt and the club needs to notify its current master sponsorship partner.

Superbet presents a million-dollar proposal to become Flamengo's master sponsor to cover PixBet - photo: reproduction
Superbet presents a million-dollar proposal to become Flamengo's master sponsor to cover PixBet - photo: reproduction

12 Ago 2025 | 11:30 |

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Flamengo has received a high-value offer from Superbet to fill the master sponsorship slot currently held by Pixbet. The information was released by Poder360. Under the current contract, Pixbet holds the right to match any offer before the club signs a new agreement , thus ensuring the possibility of maintaining the exclusive jersey design.


This clause is included in the contract signed between the parties, which prevents a direct sponsor change without the current partner having the opportunity to match the amounts. It's now up to Pixbet to decide whether to continue with the main sponsorship or make way for Superbet.


PIXBET HAS THE LARGEST CONTRACT IN BRAZIL


Pixbet currently holds the most valuable master sponsorship contract in Brazilian soccer, with staggered annual payments: R$105 million in the first year, R$115 million in the second, and R$125 million in the third . The club also receives bonuses related to FlaBet, which is featured on another part of the kit, reinforcing the importance of partnerships with the betting industry for annual revenue.

CLUB ANALYZES SUPERBET OFFER


The board carefully evaluates all aspects of the proposal, weighing the financial and strategic impact of the change. Ensuring economic stability is seen as essential to maintaining competitiveness in national and international tournaments.

While discussing the issue off the pitch, Flamengo is preparing to face Internacional this Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã , for the first leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. The result will be crucial for the club's ambitions in the competition.


Soccer

Will it be sold out? Check out the partial ticket sales for Flamengo vs. Internacional.

More than 57,000 tickets have already been sold for the first leg of the round of 16, which promises a packed Maracanã to support the Mais Querido

More than 55,000 tickets have already been sold for Flamengo vs Internacional in the Libertadores, with only the South Section available at Maracanã - photo: reproduction
More than 55,000 tickets have already been sold for Flamengo vs Internacional in the Libertadores, with only the South Section available at Maracanã - photo: reproduction

12 Ago 2025 | 11:22 |

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Flamengo begins its quest for a place in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores this Wednesday (13) . The first leg against Internacional is scheduled for 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, and the expectation is a full house.


According to information released, more than 57,000 tickets have already been sold. The strong demand indicates that the stadium will reach full capacity by the day of the match, strengthening the fans' support for the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved).


SOUTH SECTOR STILL AVAILABLE


With the match approaching, virtually all sections are sold out. Tickets remain only for the South Section, priced at R$140 for the general public. The North, Lower East, and Upper sections, as well as the Lower West, have already sold out. Half-price tickets are no longer available for this section, reinforcing the high demand for the decisive match.

TICKET SALES


North: R$ 160 (half R$ 80) – Sold out

South: R$ 140 (half R$ 70) – Available

Upper East: R$ 180 (half R$ 90) – Sold out

Lower East: R$200 (half R$100) – Sold out

Lower West: R$200 (half R$100) – Sold out

Maracanã Plus: R$600 (half-price R$337.50) – Sold out

FLAMEMGO X INTERNACIONAL

This Wednesday's match will be crucial for Flamengo to secure a strong result before the return leg in Porto Alegre. The support of the fans at Maracanã will be a key asset for the team to achieve its goal of remaining in contention for the continental title.


Soccer

What's Flamengo's likely lineup against Internacional? Check it out.

With Arrascaeta suspended and Pulgar and Danilo out injured, Mengão is banking on the return of De La Cruz and Jorginho to face Colorado Gaúcho

Flamengo faces Internacional at Maracanã in the round of 16 of the Libertadores without Arrascaeta, Pulgar and Danilo, but with expected returns - photo: reproduction
Flamengo faces Internacional at Maracanã in the round of 16 of the Libertadores without Arrascaeta, Pulgar and Danilo, but with expected returns - photo: reproduction

12 Ago 2025 | 10:52 |

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Flamengo and Internacional face each other this Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the first leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. Coach Filipe Luís will not have Arrascaeta, suspended, and will have more absences due to injury, but there is an expectation for the return of important names.


Mengão should have the return of Jorginho, who was absent from the team in the last match in the Brazilian Championship, when the team beat Mirassol 2-1. Nico De La Cruz, who has not played since July 16 due to a left knee injury , trained with the squad on Monday (11) and could be included. Training on Tuesday (12) will define his presence among those called up.


PROBABLE LINEUP


The most likely lineup for the match is: Rossi; Alex Sandro, Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz, and Emerson Royal; Allan, Jorginho, Samuel Lino, Luiz Araújo, and Plata; Pedro. Coach: Filipe Luís.

Among the confirmed absences are Erick Pulgar, recovering from surgery on the fifth metatarsal of his right foot, and Danilo, who is undergoing treatment for a hamstring injury in his right thigh. Arrascaeta is also out due to suspension after receiving his third yellow card in the group stage against Deportivo Táchira.


GAME GAINS WEIGHT

The ball kicks off at 9:30 p.m. at Maracanã Stadium , and a packed house is expected to push Flamengo toward the return leg, scheduled for the 20th at Beira-Rio. The Rio de Janeiro team's goal is to build a comfortable lead and take advantage of the home advantage to put pressure on their opponents.




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