Soccer

Santos coach explains how he stopped Flamengo: “We knew how to close it out…”

Cleber Xavier guarantees that the team prepared for the match knowing Mengão's advantages and praises Neymar's performance.

Santos coach Cleber Xavier reveals the strategy to face Flamengo in the Brasileirão - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo

17 Jul 2025 | 07:36 |

Last Wednesday (16), Flamengo was beaten by Santos 1-0 , at Vila Belmiro, in a duel valid for the 14th round of the Brazilian Championship. The only goal of the match was scored by Neymar, in the final minutes , in a decisive individual play. After the confrontation, coach Cleber Xavier detailed the strategy used to neutralize Rubro-Negro and praised the performance of the Santos number 10.

Cleber Xavier on Santos 1 x 0 Flamengo: "We knew how to close the spaces well"

"We managed to apply pressure from the short break without retreating too much. Flamengo has a well-established style of play , but we were able to close down the spaces inside and also contain their attacks down the wings. We gave them few chances. The idea was to exploit the counterattack and take advantage of Neymar's quality, who returned very well," the coach highlighted.

Cleber also celebrated the result and reinforced the importance of turning Vila Belmiro into an asset in the competition: "He ( Neymar ) handled the pace well; it was an important victory against the leaders. We need to take it game by game . It's crucial to win at home and make Vila Belmiro our playground, starting with a match of this level," concluded Cleber Xavier.

FLAMENGO DOMINATES POSSESSION, BUT CREATES LESS

Despite having more possession and shots on goal, Flamengo struggled to convert its control of the match into real chances. According to SofaScore , Flamengo created only one clear goal-scoring opportunity , compared to three for the São Paulo team—which was more efficient in attacking transitions.

The winning goal came in the 38th minute of the second half. Guilherme made a good run down the left and crossed into the box. Neymar controlled the ball, beat the Flamengo defenders, and slotted it into the corner . Goalkeeper Agustín Rossi still got a touch on the ball, but couldn't prevent the goal.

NEXT MATCH: CLASSIC AGAINST FLUMINENSE

After the stumble, Flamengo now turns its attention to the Rio derby against Fluminense . The match is scheduled for this Sunday (20), at 7:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, and will be valid for the 15th round of the Brasileirão. Filipe Luís' team is looking to recover to remain among the top teams.

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Is Flamengo still looking for reinforcements in the market? Check out the next steps

Mengão made four signings in the mid-year window and is not opposed to making new deals if opportunities arise.

Flamengo continues to look for signings in the window and has already defined its next targets in the market - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo

07 Ago 2025 | 12:54 |

Faced with recent absences, the physical strain caused by the tight schedule, and the possibility of losing players this summer, Flamengo has accelerated the process of strengthening its squad . With the transfer window open until September 2nd, the club has identified three main weaknesses in the current group: defense, goalkeeping, and attack . This information comes from the 'GE' portal.

LEFT-HANDED DEFENDER IS A PRIORITY

After an internal evaluation, the club's board concluded it needed another defensive option. In the Copa do Brasil round of 16 matches against Atlético-MG, coach Filipe Luís was unable to rest his starting defenders. Danilo is injured, and the only alternatives on the bench were youngsters João Victor and Cleiton .

Cleiton, meanwhile, is set to leave at the end of the year, when his contract expires . The defender's staff is already in talks with interested clubs for a possible early transfer this summer. Flamengo is therefore seeking a left-footed defender. Currently, only Cleiton and Léo Pereira play on the left side of defense. The goal is to increase competition in the sector and avoid overload.

REPLACEMENT IN GOAL

Another move is in goal. With Matheus Cunha already signed with Cruzeiro for 2026, Flamengo is moving forward to secure a reliable backup for Agustín Rossi. The board has already initiated talks with several goalkeepers on the transfer market .

A CENTER FORWARD WITH A DIFFERENT PROFILE

In attack, the coaching staff requested the signing of a center forward with different characteristics than Pedro —that is, a player with greater mobility and ability to move outside the box. Lucas Beltrán (Fiorentina) and Taty Castellanos (Lazio) were on the radar, but negotiations with the Italian clubs have not progressed so far.

INVESTMENT COULD REACH €15 MILLION

Even after already investing €43 million (R$273 million) this transfer window —with the signings of Emerson Royal, Carrascal, and Samuel Lino (in addition to Saúl, who arrived without transfer fees) —Flamengo admits it could invest another €15 million (approximately R$95 million) in reinforcements. This financial boost came from the sales of Gerson to Zenit (Russia) and Wesley to Roma (Italy), which totaled €50 million (R$318 million). And the club could still raise more.

POSSIBLE EXITS

Two names are emerging as candidates for departure: Matheus Gonçalves and Michael. Matheus was close to being traded to Cruzeiro and is a target for clubs abroad . CSKA Moscow has shown interest and may open formal talks with the club's board. The midfielder hasn't played since the Club World Cup on June 24th and hasn't been included in the squad since the match against São Paulo on July 12th.

Michael, who was undergoing treatment for pain in his left ankle, returned to training with the group this week. He chose not to travel to Belo Horizonte due to technical reasons. The player and the club have mutual interest in a transfer , and the striker's staff is looking for opportunities in the market.

Santos coach explains how he stopped Flamengo: “We knew how to close it out…”