Soccer

ARE YOU DELUDED? FLUMINENSE STAR BELIEVES THERE IS STILL CHANCE AGAINST FLAMENGO IN CARIOCÃO

The tricolor captain pointed out that, last year, the team was successful in the competition after a turnaround; in addition to believing in the superiority of the team

10 Mar 2024 | 07:58 |

This Saturday (09), Fluminense fell behind in the fight with Flamengo for a place in the final of the Campeonato Carioca. The two teams met at Maracanã, for a classic, at home, which ended 2-0 for Rubro-Negro. The tricolor revolt was seen, en masse, on social media, since the team had just won the Recopa Sul-Americana title and the Carioca Cup should have been 'easier'. However, the players did not lose hope.

Felipe Melo acknowledged that it will be difficult to turn the match around, but recalled the team's achievement last year to say that it is possible. On that occasion, during Carioca 2023, Flamengo won the first game of the final by the same score of 2-0, but Fluminense scored 4-1 in the second leg and took the title.

"In the first Flamengo created a lot of time. They forgot to mention that, until the expulsion, Fluminense was much better. The game was shaping up to be a possible draw. After the expulsion, they ran like hell and scored. Unfortunately, we conceded a goal at the end", he analyzed the tricolor captain, before completing: "We already demonstrated in Carioca last year that we can. We know it's difficult, but working in silence is the best thing we have at the moment."

According to Felipe Melo, Fluminense was superior to Flamengo until 17 minutes into the second half, when the team was left with one player less. In short, Thiago Santos received a red card for a foul on Everton Cebolinha. Previously, the tricolor defender had taken yellow. However, after a VAR review, referee Yuri Elino went back and expelled the Flu athlete.

Although Felipe Melo stated that Fluminense was superior until the beginning of the second half, Flamengo dominated the opponent from start to finish of the match. No wonder, according to the specialized portal SofaScore, Rubro-Negro had seven great chances to score against one from their rival. Furthermore, Fla finished 24 times while Flu only eight.

Flamengo and Fluminense play the second leg of the semi-final next Saturday, at 9pm (Brasília time), again at Maracanã.

Last minute

Soccer

Rossi preaches focus on Flamengo despite dreaming of playing for the Argentine national team

The goalkeeper doesn't deny that reaching the current world champion is a goal, but says it's necessary to keep his head in his work at Mengão

Rossi doesn't deny his dream of wearing the Argentine national team shirt, but he urges focus on Flamengo - Photo: Adriano Fontes/Flamengo

16 Set 2025 | 22:00 |

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.

ARE YOU DELUDED? FLUMINENSE STAR BELIEVES THERE IS STILL CHANCE AGAINST FLAMENGO IN CARIOCÃO