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The Colombian club was home to the star before the Argentine moved to Real Madrid and became one of the main players in the world
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Flamengo debuts in the Libertadores against Millonarios, a club that, like the main teams in Colombia, was previously linked to drug trafficking, but now belongs to a large American investment fund. The traditional blue and white Colombian shirt was worn by the legendary Di Stéfano and Mengálvio, world champion with the Brazilian team, in 1962.
The club was created in 1937 by a group of students from a religious school in Bogotá. The foundation, however, took place nine years later through Afonso Quevedo, who became the first president. And it was right at the beginning of its history that Millonarios began its golden era, which is marked by the arrival of the Argentinean Di Stéfano, in 1949, and the team known as “Ballet Azul”.
The Argentinean He was nicknamed the "blonde arrow" and joined the team along with his compatriots: Pedernera, Néstor Cossi, Antonio Báez and Julio Cossi. For many, this is the best team in the history of Colombian football. It was with Di Stéfano being the star of the team that the Colombians had, to date, their only meeting with Flamengo. A friendly in 1952 at El Campín, in Colombia. Rubro-Negro was defeated 4-1.
But it was another friendly that changed Di Stéfano's life. The Argentine caught the attention of Real Madrid after a great performance in the friendly between the teams at the Santiago Bernabéu. Millonarios beat the Spanish team 4-2 and won the Golden Wedding commemorative tournament. A year later, the Spanish signed the player, who became one of the greatest athletes of all time.
If Di Stéfano didn't he won the World Cup neither for Argentina nor for Spain, as he became a naturalized Spaniard due to his history with the country, Millonarios has a connection with at least one world champion. Santos' idol, Mengálvio, champion in 1962 with the Brazilian team, ended his career at the Colombian club in 1969.
While Di Stéfano conquered his space at Real Madrid, Millonarios was consolidating itself as one of the largest clubs in Colombia and, between the 70s and 90s, followed the rules of the time and saw drug trafficking begin to influence the control of football.
It was in the 70s that the cartels began to have relationships with some clubs with the intention of legalizing the money that was moved. In the case of Millonarios, President Hermes Tamayo was arrested in Barranquilla with two tons of cocaine. There are reports that Gonzalo Rodríguez Gacha, “El Mexicano”, one of Pablo Escobar's main partners in the Medellín cartel, killed a manager to take control of the club, which during his management was two-time Colombian champion (1987 and 1988).
The club has a big difference in work
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The Sinergia Rubro-Negra Group (SRN), made up of influential partners from Flamengo, held a meeting last Saturday (7), at the club's headquarters, located in Gávea. The main objective of the meeting was to promote fraternization among the participants, but, inevitably, club politics ended up dominating the discussions throughout the event.
The main topic that emerged during the meeting was the support of the SRN to Rodrigo Dunshee's candidacy for president of Flamengo. Dunshee, who currently holds the position of general and legal vice-president of the club, is a prominent figure in the red-black political scene. The group, made up of members who share an aligned vision regarding the club's management, sees in Dunshee a name prepared to take over Flamengo's leadership, especially considering the upcoming electoral cycle.
During the event, members of the SRN highlighted Dunshee's role in the current administration, remembering that he was a fundamental player in several legal achievements of the Flamengo in recent years. The group believes that his experience and proximity to the club's internal processes make him the ideal candidate to succeed current president Rodolfo Landim, whose tenure ends at the end of his term.
Although the initial objective of the meeting was a celebration between the partners, it was inevitable that the conversations turned to Flamengo's political future. The club's presidential elections are approaching, and political groups are already beginning to articulate support and strategies. The SRN, being a strong group within the red-black political structure, has stood out for its organization and capacity to mobilize members.
Those present discussed, among other topics, the possible implications of a possible Dunshee's candidacy. His name has been circulating among members for some time, but now, with the explicit support of the SRN, his candidacy is gaining strength. The members highlighted that Dunshee is a name of continuity, someone who is already part of the current management and deeply knows the challenges and needs of the club. This, in the group's view, represents a positive point, as Dunshee could continue the projects started under the Landim administration.
The club has been in a race against time
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Flamengo continues to debate whether to look for a replacement for Pedro, a striker who is recovering from an injury. The decision is complex, involving several variables ranging from the financial cost to the availability of players on the market. One of the main points under discussion is the high cost of a possible replacement. The club is aware that signing a center forward may require a significant investment, something that needs to be carefully evaluated within the team's current budget.
In addition, Flamengofaces the challenge of downtime of players available on the market. Many of the center forwards who are free for transfer come from long periods without playing, with recent injuries or prolonged absence from the field. This situation represents a risk, as the integration of a player who is not in the rhythm of the game may take longer and be less effective initially.
The club is also considering the limited number of viable options on the market. The scarcity of attackers who meet the criteria required by Flamengo – both in terms of quality and physical readiness – is a factor that further complicates the search for a suitable replacement.
In this scenario, the management of Flamengo assesses whether signing a new player is the best solution or whether there are viable alternatives to deal with Pedro's absence, such as adjusting the tactical formation or promoting youth players. The final decision is still being studied, and the club needs to carefully consider all aspects before making a decision.
The staff and cast are mapping the club's momentum
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Peñarol is preparing intensively for the decisive clash against Flamengo in the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores. The Uruguayan club faces Miramar Misiones this Saturday (07), at the Centenário Stadium, in the 10th round of the Uruguayan Championship. The game will be a crucial opportunity for the team to adjust its rhythm and align its strategies before facing the Brazilian Rubro-Negro next Thursday (19), at Maracanã.
Peñarol coach, Alfredo Arias , confirmed that the team will enter the field with maximum strength against Miramar Misiones. The decision to select the main players reflects the importance of the duel for the team, which is preparing for the high-level international clash against Flamengo. Peñarol does not want to leave any room for mistakes, making the most of each match before the Libertadores semi-final.
The match against Miramar Misiones is an essential step for Peñarol. With the Uruguayan internal competition already quite fierce, the team needs to guarantee good results to remain competitive in the Uruguayan Championship. However, the match also serves as a final test for the players and the coaching staff to adjust their physical and tactical form before the big challenge against Flamengo.
The clash against Flamengo is eagerly awaited. Rubro-Negro, current champion of the Libertadores, is a strong opponent, and Peñarol will have to be in top form to face them. The Uruguayan team needs to be prepared in both tactical and physical terms to face one of the strongest clubs in the South American competition.
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