Soccer

“It will take time”; Spanish newspaper talks about Saúl’s adaptation at Flamengo

Midfielder's performance was questioned against Atlético-MG in the Copa do Brasil and the newspaper sees the need for patience from Mengão with the player.

Saúl Ñíguez failed to shine in Flamengo's elimination from the Copa do Brasil and Diario AS criticizes the performance - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo

07 Ago 2025 | 14:16 |

Despite the 1-0 victory over Atlético-MG, last Wednesday (06), at Maracanã, Flamengo ended up eliminated from the Copa do Brasil in the round of 16 , after a draw on aggregate and defeat on penalties. One of the red-black reinforcements in this window, Saúl Ñíguez was the target of criticism from the Spanish newspaper Diario AS .

AS on Flamengo's Saúl: "Saúl's consolidation in Brazilian football will still take time"

In an analysis published after the match, the outlet highlighted the midfielder's lackluster start in Brazil: "Saúl's arrival in Brazil wasn't the best. The Spanish player played his third match for Flamengo and was eliminated from the Copa do Brasil. In three games, he left a bitter taste in his mouth and suffered his first setback since arriving in South America."

ADAPTATION WILL TAKE TIME

The newspaper also recalled that the Spaniard's debut was in the first leg against Galo, when Flamengo was defeated in Belo Horizonte, and pointed out that adapting to Brazilian football will still be a challenge . Saúl spent almost two months on vacation before arriving in Brazil.

"Filipe Luís used him again, bringing him on in the second half. He came on eager to help, but Saúl's consolidation in Brazilian football will still take time— something that has cost him dearly in recent seasons . Still, he demonstrated his composure by converting the team's third penalty," the publication highlighted.

HOW WAS SAÚL'S PERFORMANCE?

Saúl Ñíguez started on the bench and came on 20 minutes into the second half, replacing Gonzalo Plata. Participating in a few offensive plays, the Spaniard was unable to extend the lead in regulation . He converted his penalty in the penalty shootout, but saw Flamengo lose.

WHEN IS FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME?

Now with full focus on the Brasileirão, Flamengo returns to the field this Saturday (09), at 6:30 pm, at Maracanã, against Mirassol, for the 19th round. Mengão is the leader of the championship with 37 points. The expectation is that Saúl will remain at the disposal of the technical committee.

Last minute

Soccer

Bruno Henrique's case gains a new chapter and could affect Flamengo

The attacker was reported by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) and the case analysis has been given a date, although there is no forecast for the actual trial.

Bruno Henrique's case at the STJD has a possible date to be evaluated in court - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo

07 Ago 2025 | 15:43 |

Flamengo striker Bruno Henrique will be tried at the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) on charges of forcing a yellow card to benefit bettors during the match against Santos, in the 2023 Brazilian Championship . The trial is scheduled to take place in early September.

Although there is no official date yet, the case was forwarded to the 1st Disciplinary Committee of the STJD, whose next session takes place on August 18. However, due to the large volume of cases on the agenda, Bruno Henrique's trial was postponed to the next session, scheduled for September 1 (Monday), according to information from the newspaper O Globo.

WILL BRUNO HENRIQUE BE ABLE TO PLAY?

With this, the player is cleared to play in the two matches against Internacional , valid for the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores, on August 13th and 20th . Starting in September, however, the athlete may become a significant absence, depending on the outcome of the case. The complaint is still under review, and the athlete will have the right to a full defense before any trial.

The STJD Prosecutor's Office framed the player under two articles of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD):

Article 243, §1: provides for a suspension of 360 to 720 days for those who commit serious infractions related to sports ethics.
Article 243-A: deals with conduct intended to influence the results of matches, events or competitions, with a penalty of 12 to 24 games suspension.

Flamengo's Bruno Henrique defended: "He was punished with a card in a play in which, obviously, there wasn't even a foul"

WHAT DOES BRUNO HENRIQUE'S DEFENSE SAY?

" Bruno Henrique was booked for a play in which, obviously, there wasn't even a foul. The claim that receiving a card for this play—in which there wasn't even a foul—was intended to influence the outcome of the match or the championship is absurd . The Superior Court of Justice (STJD) itself had previously dismissed a case based on the same allegations. The player's defense will demonstrate that this new complaint should also be dismissed," the player's representatives told the Coluna do Fla website.

“It will take time”; Spanish newspaper talks about Saúl’s adaptation at Flamengo