JOURNALIST PRAISES TITE'S SON: "HE IS VERY DIRECT, I LIKED WHAT HE SAID"

On Tuesday night (5), midfielder Reinier, 23 , landed at Confins International Airport, in Minas Gerais, to undergo medical examinations and sign a contract with Atlético-MG. The contract will last four and a half years , and the player is just waiting for the regularization to be available to the technical committee.

"I was trying to find my happiness. I'd been on loan for five years. I wasn't happy. Bracks was chasing me, and so was Victor, valuing me. I talked to Cuca. I'm very happy with the project and I think it's going to be a great success," he declared.

ATLÉTICO ACQUIRES 50% OF THE RIGHTS

Negotiations between Atlético-MG and Real Madrid were concluded in recent days. The Minas Gerais club acquired 50% of the player's economic rights, while the other 50% remains with the Spanish club. Reinier had been under contract with Real since January 2020, when he was sold by Flamengo for €30 million (approximately R$136 million at the time).

Despite the high expectations surrounding his arrival in Europe, the midfielder never played any official matches for Real Madrid's first team. In recent years, he has had spells at clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, Girona, and Frosinone, all on loan.

PASSAGE THROUGH FLAMENGO

A Flamengo product, Reinier was nurtured by the Rio de Janeiro club, where he stood out in the 2019 squad that won the Libertadores and Brasileirão titles . His multi-million dollar move to European football generated high expectations, but his time away from home has not been as consistent as expected.

Atlético-MG and Flamengo will star, this Wednesday (6), at 7 pm (Brasília time), in one of the most anticipated clashes of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. The match will take place at Arena MRV, in Belo Horizonte , with live broadcast on the Sportv and Premiere channels.

In the first leg, played at Maracanã, Galo won 1-0, meaning they have the advantage of a draw to secure their spot in the quarterfinals. The Rio de Janeiro team needs a two-goal victory to qualify in normal time, or a one-goal victory to take the final to penalties.

During his appearance on the Sportv program "Fechamento," former midfielder Felipe Melo commented on the match between the Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro teams. While he wouldn't give an exact score, he highlighted Atlético-MG's favoritism, especially given their result in the first leg. "Because of the score from the first leg, Atlético has the advantage and will advance to the next stage ," the commentator stated.

FLAMENGO DEALS WITH ABSENCE

On the other side, Flamengo arrives under pressure and with important absences . Coach Filipe Luís will be without Bruno Henrique and Luiz Araújo, both rested due to fitness issues related to fatigue management, due to the intense sequence of matches.

FIVE-TIME WORLD CUP CHAMPION

Despite the absences, the Rio de Janeiro team is looking to uphold its tradition in the tournament. Flamengo has won the Copa do Brasil five times: 1990, 2006, 2013, 2022, and 2024, and is looking to add to its trove of titles in 2025.

Flamengo continues its preparation for the decisive duel this Wednesday (6) against Atlético-MG, for the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. For the clash at Arena MRV, coach Filipe Luís will not be able to count on Nicolás De La Cruz , who is still recovering from a knee problem. Off the field, the player's future has become a topic again after a statement from his brother, Carlos Sánchez, who indicated a possible return to River Plate .

Carlos Sánchez: "I believe Nico De La Cruz will return to River"

In an interview with the Argentine program Guardia Alta, Carlos was direct: " I believe that Nico De La Cruz will return to River ", said the former player, fueling rumors about a possible departure of the Uruguayan from Flamengo at the end of the season.

The statement comes amid a delicate moment for the midfielder at the Rio de Janeiro club. De La Cruz felt exposed after public comments by former doctor José Luis Runco, which caused discomfort behind the scenes at Flamengo .

A REMARKABLE PASSAGE ON THE RIVER

A River Plate idol, De La Cruz played for the Argentine club between 2017 and 2023, before moving to Flamengo . He made 212 appearances, starting 169 of them, scoring 36 goals and providing 34 assists —a total of 70 direct goal contributions and 14,815 minutes on the pitch. His performance and recognition left him deeply missed at the Monumental de Núñez.

PHYSICAL SITUATION AT FLAMENGO

After weeks away due to inflammation in his left knee and personal issues, De La Cruz returned to training on the field last Monday (4) . Despite the progress, the number 18 still carries out activities separately from the rest of the squad and was not selected for the match in Belo Horizonte.

Flamengo's coaching staff is cautious in gradually reintegrating the Uruguayan, aiming to avoid further injuries. In the first half of the year, De La Cruz managed to string together an eight-match streak , but since then, he has struggled to regain his rhythm.