Qarabag confirms Juninho's transfer to Brazilian club

Three-time Copa Libertadores champion Flamengo is enjoying a strong run of form after thrashing Vitória 8-0 in the Brasileirão . With a star-studded squad and investments well above the national average, Flamengo once again emerges as a strong title contender this season.

In an analysis for Grupo Globo, Felipe Melo named Flamengo as the most competitive team on the continent and warned that its dominance could continue if its rivals don't strengthen their positions: " If the other teams don't strengthen their positions and don't understand how to play against them, Flamengo will continue winning titles for a long time. Soon, it will have eight Libertadores titles," the former player predicted.

This season, Mengão has already lifted the Brazilian Super Cup and the Campeonato Carioca trophies. In the Brasileirão Betano, the team leads with 46 points, four ahead of Abel Ferreira's Palmeiras , solidifying its consistency in the national competition.

CHALLENGE IN THE LIBERTADORES

In pursuit of its fourth continental championship, the Gávea club defeated Internacional in the round of 16 and will face Estudiantes of Argentina in the quarterfinals . The matches will take place on September 18th and 25th, with the first leg scheduled for Maracanã.

PRIORITY IN THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

According to director José Boto and coach Filipe Luís , the central objective of the season is to win the Brazilian Championship. However, the possibility of becoming the first Brazilian club to win four-time American titles keeps the squad motivated for the continental competition.

In addition to the ongoing investigation in the Common Court, the Superior Court of Sports Justice ( STJD ) has scheduled the trial of striker Bruno Henrique for September 4th, at 9 am (Brasília time). The trial will take place at the court's headquarters in downtown Rio de Janeiro and involves the accusation that the player forced a yellow card during a match against Santos , held at Mané Garrincha, in 2023. If found guilty, the athlete could be suspended for up to two years.

The complaint filed by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) Prosecutor's Office includes, in addition to Bruno Henrique, Wander Nunes Pinto Júnior (the striker's brother), Andryl Sales Nascimento dos Reis, Claudinei Vitor Mosquete Bassan, and Douglas Ribeiro Pina Barcelos , identified as close friends of Wander. Ludymilla Araújo Lima (Wander's wife) and Poliana Ester Nunes Cardoso (the player's cousin), who were also named in the initial investigation for involvement in gambling, were left out of the list of those charged at this stage.

COMPLAINT IS BASED ON SEVERAL ARTICLES

Bruno Henrique was framed under different provisions of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD): art. 243, §1º; art. 243-A, sole paragraph; art. 184 and art. 191, III, in addition to article 65, II, III and V of the CBF's 2023 general competition regulations . The penalties provided for range from 360 to 720 days of suspension, suspension of 12 to 24 matches and application of fines between R$100 and R$100,000.

DEFENSE DENIES IRREGULARITIES

Flamengo's number 27's defense refuted the accusations, arguing that there was no attempt at manipulation in the episode: " Bruno Henrique was punished with a card in a move in which, obviously, there was not even a foul ," he began.

" The claim that receiving a card in this incident, in which there was not even a foul, was intended to influence the outcome of the match or the championship that was being played is absurd . The STJD itself had previously archived the case that was based on the same allegations and the athlete's Defense will demonstrate that the new accusation also deserves to have this same outcome," the defense stated in a statement.

Carlo Ancelotti's latest call-up for the Brazilian national team, valid for the final two rounds of the World Cup qualifiers, initially featured only one Flamengo player : Alex Sandro, who was later ruled out due to injury. In light of this, commentator Galvão Bueno raised his flag in defense of Pedro , asking for space for the Flamengo center forward on the list.

The number 9 is having a great time. In the historic 8-0 rout of Vitória, Pedro scored three goals—one of them a memorable one, after a graceful dribble and a lobbed finish. He also surpassed the 100-goal mark at the new Maracanã stadium and entered the top 10 of Flamengo's all-time goalscorers.

Galvão Bueno asks Ancelotti about Pedro, from Flamengo: "Wasn't there a way for Pedro?"

In his last three games, the striker has six goals and one assist, a performance that reinforced Galvão's request. " A lot of people missed Pedro in the national team . Ancelotti, you called up five center forwards. Didn't you have a knack for Pedro ? He plays pivot, he's got skill..." commented the commentator on the Galvão e Amigos program.

NARRATOR HIGHLIGHTS THE STRENGTH OF THE RUBRO-NEGRO CAST

Still reflecting on the rout over Vitória, Galvão highlighted the quality and depth of Flamengo's squad . According to him, the club boasts several international-caliber players, both among the starters and on the bench.

" Flamengo has a former Italy starter [Jorginho], a former Spain starter [Saúl], a Uruguay starter [Arrascaeta], another Uruguayan on the bench [De La Cruz] and Pulgar, a starter for the Chilean national team. All in one team ," the communicator highlighted.

Galvão also praised the attacking approach of Filipe Luís's team. "Look how effortless this Flamengo team plays. They're improving every day, they're always on the attack . It's a huge difference, 8-0!" the presenter added.

FOCUS ON THE DUEL AGAINST GRÊMIO

After the show on Monday (25), Pedro and his teammates return to the field this Sunday (31), at 4 pm (Brasília time), again at Maracanã . Flamengo faces Grêmio, in the 23rd round of the Brazilian Championship, looking to maintain the leadership of the competition.