CAN THIS? FLAMENGO LOSES ONE TO ONE TO FLUMINENSE PLAYERS IN SPORTS DEBATE

Defender Léo Ortiz continues to attract interest in European football , this time from Napoli. Representatives from the Italian club are expected to closely monitor the defender's performance in the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 clash against Internacional . Despite this, Napoli has not yet received any official offers and considers the player's departure this summer unlikely.

Internally, Flamengo's board classifies Ortiz as part of the group of "non-negotiable" players . He would only be released if an offer very close to the player's release clause, set at €80 million. In July, RB Leipzig offered around €15 million (R$95.6 million) , but the offer was promptly rejected.

Although he aspires to play in European football at some point in his career, Ortiz also feels comfortable wearing the Flamengo jersey. The defender has quickly established himself in the squad, becoming one of coach Filipe Luís's most used players this season.

INTEREST FROM OTHER CLUBS

Besides Napoli, other teams are monitoring the defender's situation, including Juventus and Roma, who have already made inquiries. However, so far, only RB Leipzig has formalized a concrete offer . The approaching closing date of the European transfer window, September 2nd, could accelerate moves, but the club's board reiterates its position of not negotiating its starting player.

SEASONAL HIGHLIGHT

In the 2025 season, Léo Ortiz has made 40 appearances, scoring four goals, and providing two assists , playing a key role in the defense. His strong performance has also earned him call-ups to the Brazilian national team in the last three FIFA World Cups. The defender now hopes to be on Carlo Ancelotti's roster for the upcoming matches against Chile and Bolivia.

Flamengo officially announced Betano as its new master sponsor , in a contract valid until December 2028. The agreement goes down in history as the largest ever signed in Brazilian football , surpassing the mark of R$250 million annually.

The brand's debut on the Manto Sagrado will take place on August 31, against Grêmio, in the 22nd round of the Brasileirão. Before that, in the duel against Vitória, next Monday (25) , the uniform will already feature the slogan “NATION TRUSTS”, in reference to the partnership . Until then, FlamengoTV will remain printed on the front of the shirt.

CONTRACT APPROVAL

The agreement was approved by the Deliberative Council on Tuesday night (19), with a large majority: 654 votes in favor, 11 against and 4 abstentions . The guaranteed value is R$268.5 million per year, including bonuses for performance, conversions and sales, and may exceed R$1 billion over the life of the agreement.

The funds will be distributed as follows: R$220 million for soccer; R$12 million for Olympic sports; R$10 million for VIP boxes; R$10 million for retail; and R$5 million invested in Flamengo TV . In addition to men's soccer, the brand will also be featured on volleyball, basketball, and women's soccer uniforms.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME

Before Betano's official debut, Flamengo takes to the field this Wednesday (20), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), against Internacional, at Beira-Rio, for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores . With a 1-0 victory in the first leg, Filipe Luís' team can even draw to guarantee a place in the quarterfinals.

Flamengo finalized its preparation to face Internacional this Wednesday (20), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Beira-Rio, in Porto Alegre , for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. The big news is the return of Arrascaeta, who served a suspension in the first duel between the clubs, won by Rubro-Negro 1-0, at Maracanã.

The main uncertainty in Flamengo 's lineup is in the defensive department. Filipe Luís is expected to decide just moments before the match who will partner Jorginho in midfield. Allan started in the first leg, while Saúl earned a chance in the Brasileirão last Sunday and received praise from both the fans and the coach, who praised his intensity on the field.

PROBABLE LINEUP

Flamengo is expected to field: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Jorginho, Allan (Saúl) and Arrascaeta; Samuel Lino, Bruno Henrique (Pedro) and Gonzalo Plata (Luiz Araújo) . The team is banking on the Uruguayan's return to provide greater attacking creativity and control the pace of the away game.

The likely starting lineup for Internacional under coach Roger Machado should be: Rochet; Aguirre, Vitão, Juninho and Bernabei; Thiago Maia, Alan Rodríguez, Wesley, Alan Patrick and Carbonero (Tabata); Ricardo Mathias.

WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME

The game will be broadcast live from 9:30 pm on three different platforms: Globo (open TV and Globoplay), ESPN (closed TV, with subscription) and Disney+ (subscription streaming).