Flamengo's Matheus Gonçalves has another club interested in the midfielder

Flamengo returns to the field this Wednesday, August 6, 2025, with a clear objective: to secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil. After losing the first leg 1-0 to Atlético-MG at Maracanã, the "Mais Querido" will have to win by two goals at Arena MRV in Belo Horizonte at 7 p.m. (Brasília time).

If they win by a single goal, the match will go to penalties . A draw or another loss will eliminate Filipe Luís 's team from the national competition. The match will be broadcast on SporTV and Premiere.

ALEXANDER IS A HIGHLIGHT AT ATLÉTICO-MG

For Atlético-MG, one of the main new additions for the match is defensive midfielder Alexsander. The player, who made his debut for the club in the first game against Flamengo , returned to the starting lineup last weekend in the 2-1 victory over Red Bull Bragantino in the Brazilian Championship.

Atlético-MG midfielder talks about Flamengo: "It has this different flavor"

In an interview given after his official presentation on Monday (4), the former Fluminense player spoke about the importance of the match and highlighted the opponent's weight. " It's a special game because it's a big team , because we're always beating finals. So, it has this different flavor because of that, because we know the game will be difficult and will be decided in details. And the level always rises in games like this. We'll come out with the result we want," he said.

FLAMENGO HAS A FULL SQUAD

For the match in Minas Gerais, Flamengo will likely be at full strength, including the return of key players who have been undergoing fitness evaluations in recent days . The coaching staff expects the team to be aggressive from the opening minutes, seeking to overturn the first leg's score.

Flamengo travels this Tuesday (5) to Belo Horizonte, where they will face Atlético-MG in the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. With the disadvantage of the 1-0 score suffered at Maracanã, the team led by Filipe Luís will have to seek classification away from home .

While preparing for the decisive match, the club's management remains attentive to the transfer market, especially at the goalkeeper position. According to information published by journalist Venê Casagrande, Gabriel Brazão, currently with Santos, is a name being closely monitored at Ninho do Urubu.

GABRIEL BRAZÃO IS A HIGHLIGHT AT SANTOS

Gabriel Brazão has established himself as a key player for Santos in 2025. With consistent and decisive performances, the goalkeeper has caught the attention not only of Santos fans but also of clubs abroad. Despite international offers, Santos has managed to keep him on the roster.

Internally, Brazão is highly regarded by Flamengo 's leadership. However, a formal approach from the Rio de Janeiro club is only expected to occur next year . The current priority is a strong performance this season, but evaluation of names for 2026 is already underway.

ROSSI'S FAILURE AGAINST CEARÁ

The debate about the need for reinforcement in the red-black goal gained strength after the 1-1 draw with Ceará, last Sunday (3), in the 18th round of the Brazilian Championship. Despite a promising start, Rossi failed in the move that led to the opponent's equalizing goal , scored by Pedro Raul.

Flamengo received important news this Monday (4). Midfielder Arrascaeta underwent tests at the club's training center, Ninho do Urubu, which ruled out any muscle injury in the thigh. Thus, the number 10 is fit to reinforce the team in the return match against Atlético-MG , in the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil.

The Uruguayan was substituted at halftime of the match against Ceará last weekend after complaining of muscle discomfort. The decision to withdraw him was made by coach Filipe Luís as a preventative measure , avoiding the worsening of a possible clinical condition.

MEDICAL EVALUATION

The player's departure at half-time caused apprehension among fans, who feared the absence of the team's main playmaker in a decisive match. However, tests carried out on Monday ruled out any medical concerns , and Arrascaeta is available to the coaching staff for the match against Atlético-MG, on Wednesday (6).

Internally, the news was received enthusiastically, particularly given the tactical importance the midfielder represents to the team's attacking system . If he's fully fit by game day, Arrascaeta is likely to start.

CLASSIFICATION SCENARIOS

After a 1-0 defeat in the first leg at Maracanã, Flamengo needs to win by two goals to secure a direct spot in the quarterfinals. If Flamengo wins by one goal, the match will go to penalties . A draw or another defeat in Belo Horizonte will result in Flamengo 's elimination from the competition.