PETKOVIC AND ARRASCAETA: THE TWO GREATEST GRINGOS IN FLAMENGO HISTORY

Flamengo returns to the field this Thursday (18), when they face Estudiantes (ARG), at Maracanã, for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. Preparations for the match will be completed this Wednesday (17), with the last training session led by Filipe Luís , at Ninho do Urubu.

During the training session, scheduled for 3:30 pm (Brasília time), the red-and-black coach is expected to define the starting lineup. The most likely lineup includes: Rossi; Royal, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Ayrton Lucas; De La Cruz (Allan), Saúl, and Arrascaeta; Plata, Pedro (Bruno Henrique), and Samuel Lino . However, confirmation will only come after the afternoon training session.

Despite the team's tendency, Filipe Luís can make changes based on the squad's movement at the training center. The coach has a habit of not repeating lineups and prepares the team based on what he studies about the opponents.

TRANSMISSION

The duel between Flamengo and Estudiantes will not be shown on free-to-air TV and will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN (pay TV) and Disney+ (streaming) , but fans will be kept up to date with all the details of the match on Gazeta do Urubu.

RETURN GAME

The return match takes place next Thursday (25), at the Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium, in La Plata, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time). The victory at Maracanã is considered crucial for Flamengo to arrive in Argentina with an advantage in the fight for a place in the Libertadores semifinals.

In a press conference at Ninho do Urubu, goalkeeper Agustín Rossi spoke about his desire to be called up to the Argentina national team , the current world champion. Despite his dream, the goalkeeper made it clear that his priority remains Flamengo.

Rossi on his dream of joining the Argentine national team: "My job is for Flamengo"

"Obviously, I've always wanted to be called up. I think Brazilian football is very strong, not only in South America, but worldwide as well. In the last call-up, there were players from here. But I'm not thinking about that right now . I think that if I do my job well, that call-up could come," Rossi stated.

TOTAL FOCUS ON FLAMENGO

The Argentine stressed that he keeps his feet on the ground and that his main goal is to continue showing consistency for the Rubro-Negro , who have the best defense in the Brasileirão, conceding only 10 goals in 22 games. At Maracanã, the Mais Querido conceded only three goals.

"I'm in no rush, because my job is for Flamengo , day to day, game to game. My biggest focus is to maintain this streak so that the call-up can come. Of course I have that desire, but I don't treat it as a requirement . I'm Flamengo's goalkeeper, I'm responsible for Flamengo. If the call-up comes, I'll welcome it," he added.

INCOME AND TITLES WITH THE MANTLE

Since joining Flamengo in 2023, Rossi has already won four titles. Last season, he was a key player in the undefeated Carioca Championship and also played in the Copa do Brasil victory. In 2025, he maintained his starting spot in the Supercopa do Brasil and the Campeonato Estadual . In total, he has represented Flamengo in 125 official matches, establishing himself as a pillar of the team.

Back in Brazilian football, Neymar still divides opinions about his future at Santos . During a debate on ESPN Brasil, former player Zinho compared the Santos number 10 to Flamengo's Arrascaeta , which sparked disagreement from Zé Elias. The former Mengão player stated that the Uruguayan wouldn't be able to perform at the São Paulo club.

Zé Elias praises Flamengo's Arrascaeta in comparison to Neymar: "He works hard, he's a leader"

Zé Elias then responded, highlighting the difference in attitude between the two athletes: "But he won't be in the same position as Neymar, Zinho! He'll be much more involved in the game, he'll be a role model ... Neymar doesn't help. Neymar loses the ball and just watches. Arrascaeta doesn't do that. He works hard, he's a leader," he stated.

ARRASCAETA SHINES IN THE 2025 SEASON

While Neymar is still looking for consistency, Arrascaeta continues to be one of Flamengo 's biggest stars in 2025. In addition to assists and creative plays, the Uruguayan has also taken on a leading role as a goalscorer.

Currently, the number 10 is Flamengo 's top scorer in the Brasileirão, with 13 goals. Last Sunday (14), he even scored one of the goals in the 2-0 victory over Juventude , in Caxias do Sul, which ended a 28-year drought.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT COMMITMENT

With Arrascaeta available, Flamengo returns to the field this Thursday (18), for the first leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals, against Estudiantes (ARG). The match will be at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã , with broadcast by ESPN (closed TV) and Disney+ (streaming).