BROKE THE TABOO! AYRTON LUCAS MANAGES TO SCORE HIS FIRST GOAL IN A LONG TIME FOR FLAMENGO

Vitória is preparing for a challenging clash in the 21st round of the Brazilian Championship. The Bahian team faces Flamengo this Monday (25), at 9 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. Despite the two teams' different moments in the table, striker Osvaldo showed confidence in seeking a good result in Rio de Janeiro.

"We're going to Maracanã and trying to play a great game. We haven't lost at Maracanã in a few games, so I think we can build on that to put in a great performance. Flamengo is a tough opponent; they're the best team in our football world , and they've been achieving great results," the striker declared, before adding:

"But on the field, it's 11 against 11, especially against Vitória, who have a history of playing great games and surprising in several matches. I think we have what it takes to get there and get a great result . We know how difficult the game will be," Osvaldo concluded.

FLAMENGO IS THE LEADER OF THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Flamengo takes the field to defend its sole lead in the Brasileirão , with 43 points. Filipe Luís's team is enjoying an excellent run of form , having gone six games unbeaten in the competition.

In addition to a solid run in the national championship, the Rio de Janeiro team secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores last week by eliminating Internacional. Prior to that, they had already beaten the same opponent 3-1 at Beira-Rio, cementing their good run.

Flamengo's upcoming match against Vitória raises alarm bells for Filipe Luís. Three players on the squad are suspended and risk suspension for the next match against Grêmio if they receive another yellow card this round.

Among those suspended, two are regular starters in defense: Léo Pereira and Léo Ortiz. Both have two yellow cards and, if cautioned again, will be out for the remainder of the competition.

DEFENSE UNDER ATTENTION

The red-and-black coach may have a difficult time building a defense. Danilo, recently recovered, emerges as an immediate alternative if one of the starting center-backs is penalized . However, if both receive cards against Vitória, Filipe Luís may resort to a player from the youth academy to form the defense alongside Danilo.

In addition to the defense, defensive midfielder Allan is also suspended, but the situation is less of a concern for the coaching staff . With Erick Pulgar injured, Allan had been gaining minutes, but lost his place after the emergence of Saúl, who is expected to continue as a starter alongside Jorginho. Even if Allan receives his third yellow card, the Jorginho-Saúl duo is likely to be kept for the match against Grêmio.

FLAMENGO DEFENDS LEADERSHIP

Flamengo, the sole leader of the Brazilian Championship with 43 points, is enjoying a positive run. The team is six games unbeaten in Série A and secured its place in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores last week by eliminating Internacional. Prior to that, they defeated the same opponent 3-1 at Beira-Rio Stadium, reinforcing their positive momentum under Filipe Luís.

The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed the refereeing team for the match between Flamengo and Vitória, valid for the 21st round of the Brazilian Championship Series A. The game will be held this Monday (25), at 9 pm (Brasília time) , at Maracanã.

The main referee will be Luís Fernandes de Lima , from Minas Gerais, who will be supported by assistants Felipe Alan Costa de Oliveira and Leonardo Henrique Pereira, also from Minas Gerais. Marco Aurélio Augusto Fazekas Ferreira will be in charge of the video assistant referee, accompanied by Amanda Matias Masseira from Pernambuco as VAR.

FLAMENGO DEFENDS LEADERSHIP

Flamengo heads into the match as the clear leader of the Brazilian Championship , with 43 points. Filipe Luís's team is enjoying a positive run , having gone six games unbeaten in the national competition.

Last week, the team secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Libertadores by eliminating Internacional and, before that, beat the same opponent 3-1 at Beira-Rio, consolidating its good form.

VITÓRIA FIGHTS TO GET OUT OF THE Z-4

Vitória currently sits in 17th place in the standings with 19 points. In their last match, they drew 2-2 with Juventude at Barradão Stadium. Previously, they lost 2-0 to São Paulo at Morumbis Stadium.