Mano Menezes explains defensive strategy after draw between Flamengo and Grêmio

Flamengo ended up conceding a draw in the Brasileirão Betano when facing Grêmio last Sunday (31), with a score of 1 to 1. Arrascaeta scored for the home team, while Tiago Volpi scored the goal for the team from Rio Grande do Sul . The result interrupted the winning streak of the Rio de Janeiro team in the championship.

After the match, goalkeeper Tiago Volpi spoke about the importance of the result for Grêmio and the significance of his goal. " Of all the goals I've scored in my career, I think this one had a very special flavor. Because of the setting, the importance of the game, and the point we needed. The Maracanã against Flamengo brings back fond memories," said the goalkeeper.

Volpi celebrates goal against Flamengo: "It gives a more gratifying feeling"

Volpi also highlighted the emotion of scoring in front of a packed stadium: " Thank God I've always had good performances here, and today is another one that will stay with me , because of this whole setting. Because it was a game in front of a packed stadium, in a more iconic setting, for me in football, it gives me a more gratifying feeling and a great sense of happiness to have scored this goal today."

HOW WAS THE GAME?

Flamengo dominated much of the match and opened the scoring eight minutes into the second half, with a one-two between Pedro and Arrascaeta, who finished for goal. The Rio de Janeiro team created opportunities to extend their lead, but conceded an equalizer in the 40th minute . After a Grêmio counterattack, the ball hit Ayrton Lucas's arm inside the box, and the referee awarded a penalty. Goalkeeper Thiago Volpi converted, making it 1-1.

SITUATION IN THE TABLE

With the result, Flamengo reached 47 points and maintained its sole lead in the Brasileirão . Cruzeiro is second with 44, followed by Palmeiras with 42. Grêmio is in 12th place with 25 points. The Mais Querido will now return to action on September 14th, when it travels to Caxias do Sul to face Juventude.

Full-backs Varela and Viña and midfielder Arrascaeta, all from Flamengo, showed up this Monday (2) in Montevideo to defend the Uruguayan national team. Marcelo Bielsa called the trio for the games against Peru , this Thursday (5), and Chile, on September 9, away from home, valid for the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Despite his strong showing for the red-and-blacks, Nicolás de la Cruz was left out of the squad. According to Bielsa, the midfielder's absence is due to his limited playing time in recent months. Even after starting in the draw against Grêmio , the number 18 failed to regain enough playing time to earn a spot on the roster.

URUGUAYAN NATIONAL TEAM CAN CONFIRM QUALIFICATION

Uruguay heads into the doubleheader in a comfortable position. Bielsa's team only needs a draw to secure its spot in the next World Cup. The presence of Varela, Viña, and Arrascaeta reinforces the confidence of La Celeste, which relies on the support of players accustomed to making big decisions. Meanwhile, De la Cruz will remain focused on the club's training session, seeking to regain his place in both the starting lineup and the national team.

OTHER RUBRO-NEGROS ATHLETES IN THE NATIONAL TEAM

In addition to the Uruguayan trio, other Flamengo representatives will be on the field for their national teams. Carrascal was called up by Colombia, while Gonzalo Plata will represent Ecuador. Samuel Lino will wear the Brazilian national team jersey after replacing Matheus Cunha, who was ruled out due to injury.

With six players called up to different South American countries, the club remains prominent on the international stage. The number could have been even higher, but Alex Sandro, injured, was eventually removed from Carlo Ancelotti's squad.

Defender David Luiz, formerly of Flamengo and currently playing for Pafos in Cyprus, broke his silence after being accused of making death threats by his alleged ex-lover Francisca Karollainy Barbosa Cavalcante. The 37-year-old defender maintained that he never committed the alleged crimes and stated that legal action is already underway.

In a video posted on social media, the athlete highlighted: " I never threatened anyone, I never threatened this person, I was never with her in person, I was never at the hotel where she says I was. In fact, last week, the original email from the hotel was made available to the press confirming that I was never there."

DEFENDER'S STATEMENTS

During his statement, David Luiz admitted to having engaged in conversations with Francisca, but rejected any accusations of threats or personal encounters: " I was wrong to exchange messages with this person, but I never — never — threatened her or anyone else in my life. I have never been personally with this person."

The player reinforced that he is going through a difficult time, but that he hopes for the resolution of the case: " Legal measures are already being taken, and I hope that justice is done as quickly as possible, so that everyone knows the real truth ."

COMPLAINT REPORTS THREATS

The complaint came from Francisca Karollainy Barbosa Cavalcante, who claimed to have had an extramarital relationship with the defender. According to her, after the relationship ended, she began receiving threatening messages on Instagram.

In a police report, the young woman reported: " After the relationship ended, he began to constantly threaten me. I received, on Instagram, a message sent by David Luiz himself containing the following words: 'You know I have money and power, so don't play smart. It would be sad if your son had to pay the consequences of his actions. I can simply make you disappear.'"