Soccer
20 Set 2025 | 16:00 |
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Gonzalo Plata is cleared to play in the second leg of the match between Flamengo and Estudiantes in Argentina. CONMEBOL decided to nullify the red card given to the Ecuadorian, keeping only the yellow . The decision, however, was the target of strong criticism from journalist Felipe Diniz, who called the organization's attitude "unacceptable."
Diniz on the cancellation of Flamengo's Plata's red card: "The withdrawal of Plata's card is something that, for me, is unacceptable"
"Was the refereeing terrible? It was terrible. Was Flamengo harmed? It was harmed. Now, the withdrawal of Plata's card is something that, for me, is unacceptable ," Diniz said.
According to the commentator, Andrés Rojas' poor performance should be considered a human error, with no indication of punishment for the Colombian referee. Flamengo, however, maintains the opposite position, believing that the referee's conduct was biased and went beyond normal refereeing errors .
Felipe Diniz reinforced that the decision raises questions about how CONMEBOL intervenes after on-field errors: " I think it's shameful that CONMEBOL, after a serious referee error, took this action . Taking upon itself the responsibility of correcting something that happened on the field. And, worse, errors like this happen in several South American competitions and don't have the same outcome."
For the journalist, the overturning of the expulsion sets a delicate precedent for the rest of the competition: "This will certainly cause a lot of problems. Any club that feels wronged from now on will use this case as an argument to request a review . It's a very dangerous precedent, it creates a lot of controversy."
Despite Diniz's complaints, this isn't the first time CONMEBOL has overturned an unfair card. In the 2018 Copa Libertadores, Cruzeiro defender Dedé was unfairly sent off against Boca Juniors after accidentally colliding with goalkeeper Andrada.
The expulsion generated significant backlash, and then-president of the Refereeing Committee, Wilson Seneme, acknowledged his mistake. CONMEBOL's Disciplinary Court lifted the suspension, and the defender was allowed to play in the second leg .
Mengão will face Cruzmaltino at Maracanã in the 24th round of the Brazilian Championship and the expectation is a full house for the Clássico dos Milhões
20 Set 2025 | 14:00 |
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After the controversial victory over Estudiantes, Flamengo is already focused on another big challenge . This Sunday (21), Rubro-Negro will have a packed Maracanã to face Vasco, in the 24th round of the Brasileirão. The demand for tickets is intense, and by Friday (19), more than 50 thousand tickets had already been sold .
Only tickets remain for the South Section, reserved for Vasco fans. So far, around 7,000 tickets have been sold for visiting fans . The North Section, a traditional red-and-black stronghold, sold out quickly, as did the mixed sections. The low demand from Vasco fans reflects the teams' different performances.
Flamengo arrives at the top of the Brazilian Championship with 50 points from 22 games, enjoying a solid run . On the other side, Vasco occupies 15th place, just one point above the relegation zone. A year after the historic 6-1 rout, the disparity between the rivals gives even more weight to the derby.
Tickets for the South Sector cost R$100 (full price) and R$50 (half price) . The referee will be Rafael Klein, from Rio Grande do Sul, who will be taking charge of a Flamengo game for the 12th time in his career, accompanied by Rafael da Silva Alves and Maira Mastella Moreira. The VAR will be led by Caio Max Augusto Vieira (GO).
Kickoff begins at 5:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã Stadium. With the red-and-black fans in full force and Filipe Luís's team in excellent form , expectations are for another great spectacle in the Clássico dos Milhões (Classic of Millions). The match precedes the decisive Copa Libertadores clash against Estudiantes de La Plata.
The striker was left out of the club's Champions League debut and an exit in the January window is not ruled out, despite being 100% adapted.
20 Set 2025 | 13:00 |
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According to Spanish newspaper Diário AS, Vinicius Júnior, formerly of Flamengo, is unhappy at Real Madrid and is considering leaving the club as early as January 2026. The striker has not understood the way he has been treated at the start of the season under Xabi Alonso .
The main reason for the discontent is the coach's rotation of the squad. In some matches, the number 7 ended up being overlooked for Rodrygo , something that didn't happen during the Carlo Ancelotti era, when he was unanimous.
Despite his dissatisfaction, Vini Jr. still prioritizes staying in Madrid and renewing his contract. The player was even willing to reduce his salary expectations to stay at the club. However, the situation changed after Xabi Alonso's arrival. Previously, the board treated the renewal as a priority. Now, they're adopting a more cautious stance, even facing the risk of losing the player in 2026 or even for free in June 2027, when his contract expires.
Vini Jr. has played for Real Madrid since 2018 and has won every major title: Champions League, Club World Cup, La Liga, and Copa del Rey . In 2024, he reached his individual peak, winning The Best award and finishing second in the Ballon d'Or.
Meanwhile, the market is monitoring the situation of Flamengo's young player. Saudi Arabian clubs are closely monitoring the situation , although they have not yet submitted formal offers. The country's financial power, however, could influence any potential negotiations.
Mengão will face Cruzmaltino in the 24th round of the Brasileirão and the disparity in investment between the clubs is once again a major difference.
20 Set 2025 | 12:00 |
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This Sunday (21), at 5:30 pm (Brasília time), Maracanã hosts another edition of the Clássico dos Milhões , valid for the 24th round of the Brasileirão . The clash promises packed stands, a decisive atmosphere and plenty of rivalry on the field. In addition to the three points, the history of one of the biggest classics in the country is also at stake.
According to Transfermarkt, Flamengo , led by coach Filipe Luís, has a squad valued at €195.10 million (around R$1.2 billion), almost double that of Vasco , which totals €108.15 million (approximately R$672.58 million).
In the first round of the Brasileirão, the teams drew 0-0 at Maracanã. The match was evenly matched, with chances for both sides, but the score remained unchanged until the final whistle. Vasco's last victory was in March 2023, when they secured a 1-0 victory over Vítor Pereira's Mengão. Since then, Flamengo have won 11 matches, with eight wins and three draws .
Rubro-Negro leads the competition with 50 points and is looking to consolidate its three-point lead over Cruzeiro and Palmeiras . A victory over Vasco will at least ensure the team maintains its lead—and could extend it to six points if its rivals stumble.
Cruzmaltino sits in 15th place with 23 points and remains under pressure in the relegation battle. If they lose at Maracanã, they risk falling back into the relegation zone , increasing the tension for the rest of the season.
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