Grêmio races against time to have the stadium available for the game against Flamengo

Atlético-MG were drawing 1-1 with Godoy Cruz (ARG) this Thursday (14), when coach Cuca promoted Reinier's debut . The former Flamengo player entered the field and, in his first decisive participation, provided the assist for Atlético's comeback goal in the round of 16 of the South American, at Arena MRV.

The move stemmed from a quick counterattack, catching the Argentine defense off guard. The ball quickly reached Reinier , who, with a chest-touch worthy of a footvolley, set up Hulk for a first-time finish to make it 2-1.

REINIER'S PATH FROM FLAMENGO

A standout in the red-black youth academy, Reinier made his professional debut in 2019 , joining the historic squad led by Jorge Jesus. After good performances, he was sold to Real Madrid (ESP) in 2020, for around R$30 million (value at the time).

Without opportunities in the Spanish club's professional ranks, the midfielder spent time on loan at Borussia Dortmund (GER), Girona (ESP), Frosinone (ITA) and Granada (ESP) . Earlier this month, Atlético-MG confirmed his signing for the remainder of the season.

DID FLAMENGO TRY TO REPATRIATE?

Flamengo considered Reinier's return, but the player's staff considered the fees he was asking for too high . Therefore, the club focused its efforts on signing Colombian Jorge Carrascal, then at Dynamo Moscow (RUS).

Wednesday (13) was a triumph for Flamengo in the Libertadores . In the first leg of the round of 16, Bruno Henrique shone and scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Internacional, at Maracanã. The performance earned the number 27 the title of 'Fans' Star' , in a vote held on the club's social networks.

With 54.3% of the votes, Bruno Henrique topped the poll . In second place, Jorginho — a standout midfielder — received 37.4%. Luiz Araújo (5.5%) and Everton Cebolinha (2.9%) completed the list of most voted.

BRUNO HENRIQUE'S NUMBERS IN THE MATCH

Bruno Henrique, a starter in the match, was decisive. In 83 minutes on the field, he scored the only goal of the match with a precise header after a corner kick from Luiz Araújo . In addition to the goal, he completed 6 of 10 passes (60% accuracy) and completed three dribbles, confirming his position as one of the team's key attacking players.

ABOVE GABIGOL

With his goal against Internacional, the number 27 reaffirmed his reputation as a decisive player and is now among the club's greatest idols. Journalist Thiago Asmar, known as Pilhado, stated that Bruno Henrique has already surpassed Gabigol as Flamengo's all-time great .

Thiago Asmar: "Bruno Henrique has already surpassed Gabigol in idolatry at Flamengo"

"In my opinion, Bruno Henrique has already surpassed Gabigol in idolatry at Flamengo. Gabigol left controversially, while Bruno Henrique stayed and continues to be decisive. He was instrumental in the Brazilian Super Cup title and, once again, this time in the Libertadores. He's a guy who, when the game is big, has to get the ball to him," he stated.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME

Flamengo will face Internacional again on Sunday (17), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), at Beira-Rio , for the 20th round of the Brasileirão. The duel marks the beginning of the second half and will serve as preparation for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores, the following week.

Referee Rodrigo Pereira will be responsible for commanding Internacional x Flamengo, this Sunday (17), for the Brasileirão . It will be the 12th time that he whistles a Mengão game and curiously, repeating the confrontation against the team from Rio Grande do Sul in the second round of the Brazilian Championship .

In the last match under his refereeing, in the 36th round of the 2024 Brasileirão, Rubro-Negro beat Internacional 3-2, at Maracanã, with goals from Léo Ortiz and Michael (2) . Rodrigo Pereira's performance, however, did not go unnoticed.

During Colorado's second goal, Flamengo players and fans complained about a clash between Plata and the referee early in the play . Flamengo had possession of the ball in their defensive half but lost it after the collision, allowing Enner Valencia to shoot. The CBF will soon release the full refereeing schedule, including Rodrigo Pereira's assistants and the VAR official.

REFEREE'S RETROSPECT WITH FLAMENGO

Recently, Rodrigo Pereira was involved in the 0-0 draw against Ceará, in the 18th round, in a match marked by a large number of interruptions : 26 fouls were called, 12 from Flamengo and 14 from the opponent.

Pereira maintains the characteristic of stopping the game a lot, which is reflected in the high average of cards - 60 yellow cards distributed in 11 Fla games (28 for Rubro-Negro and 32 for rivals), which gives 5.4 per game. In total, Flamengo has 5 wins, 5 draws and only 1 loss with the referee, a 60.6% success rate.

SCENARIO FOR THE DUEL

The match at Beira-Rio will be the second chapter in the trilogy between Flamengo and Internacional, who also face each other in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores . Flamengo won the first leg 1-0 at Maracanã and is looking to maintain its lead in the Brasileirão — currently with 40 points, three more than second-place Cruzeiro.