Internacional stumbles and Flamengo takes provisional lead in the Brasileirão; see updated table

Forward Pedro needed just 14 seconds to open the scoring for Flamengo against Estudiantes in a Copa Libertadores quarterfinal match. The lightning strike became the Rubro-Negro's fastest goal in the competition's history , surpassing Gerson's record and also surpassing Lucas Paquetá's historic mark, which held the club's fastest goal in an official match.

Until then, Flamengo 's fastest goal in the Libertadores was Gerson's, who had scored after 56 seconds against Bolívar, in 2024. Even so, in the current edition of the tournament, Pedro's goal was the second fastest overall , behind only Artur's goal, from Botafogo, which shook the net against LDU after 13 seconds in the round of 16.

PEDRO'S NUMBERS FOR FLAMENGO

293 games

148 goals

35 assists

BOARD PLANS RENEWALS

According to an investigation by Gazeta do Urubu, the club's board intends to renew the contracts of Filipe Luís and Arrascaeta in 2025. Pedro and goalkeeper Rossi are expected to have their contracts extended next season. Internally, there's no sign of the striker's dissatisfaction with the club.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME

After beating Estudiantes at Maracanã this Thursday (18), Mengão faces Vasco next Sunday (21), for the Brazilian Championship. The match takes place again at the Rio de Janeiro team's stadium.

Flamengo won an important chapter this Wednesday (18), in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores . After just 15 seconds, Pedro scored against Estudiantes at a packed Maracanã, opening the scoring for the Rio de Janeiro team. The goal not only guaranteed an initial advantage in the duel but also marked the striker's 150th goal with the red-black shirt , equaling Bebeto in eighth place among the greatest scorers in the club's history.

The goal against Argentina also represented Pedro's 26th for Flamengo in the Copa Libertadores, a figure that puts him behind only Gabigol, with 30 goals, in the club's all-time rankings in the tournament . Furthermore, the number 9 became the third-highest Brazilian scorer in the continental competition.

PEDRO'S GENERAL NUMBERS FOR FLAMENGO

• 293 games
• 150 goals
• 35 assists

PEDRO'S PERFORMANCE IN THE SEASON

• 30 games
• 13 goals
• 5 assists

FLAMENGO BOARD WANTS TO RENEW

According to information obtained by Gazeta do Urubu, the club's management intends to renew the contracts of Filipe Luís and Arrascaeta in 2025. Pedro and goalkeeper Rossi are expected to have their contracts extended next season . Internally, there is no dissatisfaction surrounding the number 9.

Flamengo officially announced the lineup to face Estudiantes this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) , at Maracanã, for the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. With important returns, coach Filipe Luís is betting on maximum strength to start with an advantage in the continental clash.

Defender Léo Ortiz, who missed last weekend due to suspension , returns to the starting lineup. Bruno Henrique, who also missed the match against Juventude, is confirmed in the squad. The team maintains the core of the squad that has been playing with Filipe Luís.

CHECK THE LINEUP

Filipe Luís will send onto the field against Estudiantes: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas; Saúl, De La Cruz and Arrascaeta; Plata, Pedro and Samuel Lino.

FLAMENGO'S SHORTAGES

Alex Sandro (calf) and Jorginho (thigh) are still recovering and are already working on the field, but individually. The same goes for Pulgar, who is transitioning with physical therapy and is expected to begin training with the group only at the end of September.

FULL HOUSE AT MARACANÃ

The Red-Black Nation promises another great party . All tickets were sold in advance, guaranteeing the presence of over 69,000 fans . This should be Flamengo 's largest crowd in this edition of the Libertadores. The expectation is to repeat the solid performance of the round of 16, when the team eliminated Internacional with two wins and qualified 3-0 on aggregate.