Soccer

European team begins preparation at Flamengo's training center

The German team, led by Erik ten Hag, arrives in Rio de Janeiro for training in Gávea and a friendly match against the young talents of Mais Querido.

Bayer Leverkusen is training at CT da Gávea and will face Flamengo's under-20s in an international friendly in Rio de Janeiro - photo: reproduction
Bayer Leverkusen is training at CT da Gávea and will face Flamengo's under-20s in an international friendly in Rio de Janeiro - photo: reproduction

09 Jul 2025 | 19:31 |

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Bayer 04 Leverkusen began its preseason this week and already has a destination in mind to intensify its preparation: Brazil. The Bundesliga club arrives in Rio de Janeiro next Tuesday (July 15th), where it will spend ten days training at Flamengo 's Gávea Training Center. The team will be the first in the German football elite to carry out part of its preparation in the South American country.


During their stay in Rio de Janeiro, Leverkusen will face Flamengo's U-20 team in a friendly scheduled for Friday (July 18th) at Gávea Stadium. The match will be the team's first practical test since the summer break and will serve as a starting point for adjustments under coach Erik ten Hag, who has taken over from Xabi Alonso.


TEN HAG HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE


According to the Dutch coach, the trip to Brazil plays a central role in building the team for the 2025/26 season. "Every day is important; we can't afford to waste any. We only have six weeks of preseason left. Therefore, we need to seize every moment with the intention of evolving as a team and individually," he declared.

The coach also mentioned the logistical challenges of the trip, such as time differences and the integration of new players into the squad. " Some players will still be in the process of being integrated , and we'll also have to deal with the time difference. But we'll take the opportunity to communicate our philosophy and adjust our playing principles," he explained.


PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN CLUB

Brazil's choice wasn't solely based on sporting factors. Erik ten Hag highlighted Bayer Leverkusen's historic connection to the country , which over the decades has brought countless Brazilian talents to European football.

" Many Brazilian players have reached European football through Leverkusen . Furthermore, it's a strategic market for Bayer, which makes this trip even more important," said the manager.


Soccer

Former Flamengo player Matheus Gonçalves scores his first goal for Al Ahli; watch the video

The Brazilian midfielder scored in his fifth match for the Saudi club and started the entire 90 minutes in the match against Al Duhail

Matheus Gonçalves, revealed by Flamengo, celebrates his first goal with the Al Ahli shirt in a draw in the Champions League - photo: reproduction
Matheus Gonçalves, revealed by Flamengo, celebrates his first goal with the Al Ahli shirt in a draw in the Champions League - photo: reproduction

29 Set 2025 | 20:13 |

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Midfielder Matheus Gonçalves, revealed by Flamengo , scored his first goal for Al Ahli this Monday (29), in the 2-2 draw against Al Duhail-CAT, for the Asian Champions League. The player, who started the match as a starter, played during the 90 minutes for the second consecutive game.


The goal came in the 42nd minute of the first half, with Al Duhail leading 1-0. From the right wing, Matheus cut onto his left foot and took a shot . The ball deflected off the opposing defense and ended up in the goalkeeper's corner, ensuring the equalizer.


AL AHLI VIRA WITH RIYAD MAHREZ


After the young Brazilian's goal, Al Ahli turned the game around with former Manchester City player Riyad Mahrez. However, early in the second half, Piatek, a Polish striker with experience in European football, leveled the score again, making it 2-2.

Earlier, Edmilson Júnior had opened the scoring for the home side in the 25th minute of the first half . The result kept both teams in contention for qualification in the continental tournament.


MATHEUS GONÇALVES PASSED THROUGH THE U-20S

Matheus Gonçalves started the season in Flamengo 's first team, but failed to make the cut due to stiff competition for his position. He played 15 games and scored two goals for the senior team. Seeking more playing time, he requested a return to the U-20s , where he was part of the victorious Intercontinental Cup campaign against Barcelona of Spain.



Soccer

It's going to be packed! Check out the partial ticket sales for Flamengo vs. Cruzeiro.

Direct confrontation for the title of Brasileirão 2025, scheduled for Thursday (2), already registers great demand and sold out sectors; tickets vary

Flamengo fans promise a full house at Maracanã for the duel against Cruzeiro, a direct confrontation for the Brasileirão title - photo: reproduction
Flamengo fans promise a full house at Maracanã for the duel against Cruzeiro, a direct confrontation for the Brasileirão title - photo: reproduction

29 Set 2025 | 18:40 |

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Flamengo reported that more than 45,000 tickets have already been sold for the match against Cruzeiro, this Thursday (October 2), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. The match is valid for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship and pits the leaders and runners-up of Serie A against each other.


The North, West, East (upper and lower), and part of the South sectors are sold out, with only a few tickets remaining. For the general public, tickets start at R$100 for a full price.


FLAMENGO X CRUZEIRO


Flamengo heads into the round as the clear leader with 54 points, while Cabuloso is second with 50 points. The result could narrow the gap between the teams or widen the red-and-black's lead in the title race.

TICKET SALES


Ticket sales began on Tuesday the 2nd, exclusively for Flamengo members. In addition to priority seating, members received special discounts. Tickets were released to the general public on Thursday the 18th. Cruzeiro visiting fans will have exclusive seating in the South B section of the Maracanã.

TICKET PRICES
  • North – Full: R$120 | Half: R$60
  • South – Full: R$100 | Half: R$50
  • Upper East – Full: R$140 | Half: R$70
  • Lower East – Full: R$160 | Half: R$80
  • Fla+ Leste Inferior Space – Single price: R$ 360
  • Lower West – Full: R$200 | Half: R$100
  • Fla+ Oeste Inferior Space – Single price: R$400
  • Maracanã Mais – Full: R$600 | Half: R$337.50
  • Sul B (Cruzeiro fans) – Full: R$ 170 | Half: R$ 85


Soccer

CBF defines referee for Flamengo vs Cruzeiro in the 26th round of the Brasileirão

CBF confirms Ramon Abatti Abel to referee in direct duel for the leadership of the 2025 Brazilian Championship, scheduled for Thursday (2), at Maracanã

Ramon Abatti Abel is confirmed by the CBF as the referee for Flamengo vs Cruzeiro at Maracanã, a direct duel for the leadership of the Brasileirão - photo: reproduction
Ramon Abatti Abel is confirmed by the CBF as the referee for Flamengo vs Cruzeiro at Maracanã, a direct duel for the leadership of the Brasileirão - photo: reproduction

29 Set 2025 | 18:18 |

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Flamengo already knows who will be in charge of the whistle in the decisive match against Cruzeiro , next Thursday (October 1st), for the 26th round of the 2025 Brazilian Championship. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that 36-year-old Santa Catarina native Ramon Abatti Abel will be the referee of the match . The assistants and the VAR team are yet to be announced by the entity.


Ramon Abatti Abel has played 20 matches in national tournaments this season. In 2025, he refereed five Flamengo matches and only one Cruzeiro match. Interestingly, both Flamengo and Raposa have won all their matches under the referee's direction.


RECENT HISTORY


The only Cruzeiro match refereed by Ramon this year was the 2-0 victory over Atlético-MG on August 27, in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals, at Arena MRV. Flamengo beat Botafogo 3-1 in the Supercopa do Brasil on February 2 , at Mangueirão, in Belém, also refereed by the Santa Catarina native.

FILIPE LUÍS ASKS FOR HUMILITY


Coach Filipe Luís spoke about the importance of the match against Cruzeiro and emphasized that, despite the decisive nature of the match, the points are worth the same as in any other round. " Now we have a direct rival in the next game, which is Cruzeiro, and these are three very important points , just like today. This championship is very difficult," he stated.

He recalled the criticism he received after the draw with Vasco, emphasizing the tournament's unpredictability. " We drew with Vasco last week, and everyone said Flamengo was awful. But today Vasco beat Cruzeiro, who are fighting for the title. These things show how competitive the championship is," he said after the game against Corinthians .


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