JOURNALIST HIGHLIGHTS LÉO ORTIZ'S DIFFERENCE AND WARNING TO FLAMENGO: "THE TREND IS THAT..."

Vinicius Júnior, a forward who rose through the ranks at Flamengo , is now one of the biggest names in world football. He has won every major title with Real Madrid and was named FIFA's best player in the world. His performance and maturity place him among the greatest athletes of our time , earning him admiration even from those who doubted his potential early in his career.

With the arrival of Xabi Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid is undergoing a period of transition. The new coach's playing style is different from his predecessor's, and there is uncertainty about Vinicius Jr.'s place in the formation. It is speculated that Alonso will prioritize Kylian Mbappé , the French star who recently arrived at the club.

Another factor fueling speculation is the fact that the number 7 has not yet renewed his contract with Los Merengues . Given this, reports are emerging that the player may consider a move to another club where he can remain a key player.

MANCHESTER UNITED PLANS INVESTMENT

According to information released by the Spanish website Fichajes, Manchester United is willing to invest heavily to sign the striker. The Red Devils' offer is around R$1.3 billion , a figure that demonstrates the scale of the English club's commitment to strengthening its squad.

FIFTH MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Real Madrid striker Vinícius Jr. is no longer among the three most valuable players in world football . According to a study released this Thursday (24) by the Football Benchmark Group, the Brazilian is in 5th place, valued at 171.5 million euros (around R$ 1.11 billion).

In recent days, reports from Russia have circulated about a possible deal between Zenit and Flamengo. Matheus Gonçalves ' name has been linked to a direct swap deal with Robert Renan, a defender who plays for Al-Shabab and is currently on loan at the Russian club. Despite the rumors, sources close to the Mais Querido state that "nothing has been officially discussed at this time" regarding the deal with the former Corinthians defender.

Matheus Gonçalves was once close to an agreement with CSKA Moscow, but the Russian club is still awaiting authorization from Mengão to formalize a new offer. Meanwhile, two other foreign teams have expressed interest. One is based in the United Arab Emirates, and the other is in Europe, but outside the most prominent leagues.

OFFER HAS NOT ARRIVED YET

So far, no official offer has been received by Flamengo . The amounts are expected to be close to those presented by CSKA , with variations in the percentages of the economic rights. The Rio de Janeiro club is considering its options: receiving a higher sum immediately or maintaining a stake in a possible future resale.

RESERVE AGAINST CEARÁ

Starting in the first leg against Atlético-MG, valid for the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil, Matheus Gonçalves had a discreet performance and did not take advantage of his chance among the starting eleven players.

Despite his potential, Matheus had few opportunities in the main squad this season , the last game against Ceará, last Sunday (09), the athlete did not even leave the bench and was not an option for the Brazilian Championship.

Atlético-MG and Flamengo face each other again this Wednesday (6) , for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. The duel will take place at Arena MRV, in Belo Horizonte, at 7 pm (Brasília time) , with broadcast by SporTV and Premiere. In the first match, held at Maracanã, Galo won 1-0 and plays for a draw to guarantee classification.

Before the decisive clash, striker Hulk was full of praise for his opponent. In an interview, the Minas Gerais number 7 called the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved) the best team in the country. " When you have an important game like this, which is the Copa do Brasil, against the best team in the country , there's no greater motivation. (...) When you face the best, you want to beat the best," the player declared.

Hulk admits: "Flamengo is the best team in Brazil"

The experienced athlete also highlighted the Rio de Janeiro team's performance on the pitch. "In my humble opinion, Flamengo is the best team in Brazil. (...) A team that plays very well. And we're going to do a great job collectively so that, God willing, we can qualify," Hulk added.

SCENARIO OF THE ROUND OF 16 OF THE BRAZIL CUP

To advance to the quarterfinals, Flamengo needs to win by two or more goals. If they win by one goal, the match goes to penalties. Any draw favors the Minas Gerais club. Filipe Luís's team will have to find its way back to victory after two games without a win.

FLAMENGO MAY HAVE SHORTAGES

Flamengo may have a major problem for the decisive clash against Atlético-MG. Arrascaeta, who scored the equalizer in the 1-1 draw against Ceará last Sunday (3), at Castelão, felt discomfort in his left thigh and left the pitch at half-time in the match, valid for the 18th round of the Brazilian Championship.