Flamengo fans prepare a great AeroFla before boarding for the Club World Cup

Flamengo began, on the morning of this Tuesday (30), the preparation for the match against Cruzeiro , valid for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship. The activity was led by coach Filipe Luís from 9:30 am (Brasília time), at CT Ninho do Urubu.

After training, around noon, midfielder Jorge Carrascal gave a press conference , answering questions about the team's current situation and previewing the match against the Minas Gerais opponent. The game will mark Gabigol 's reunion with the fans at Maracanã.

FOLLOW THE PRESS CONFERENCE LIVE

EMERSON ROYAL PARTICIPATES IN COLLECTIVE

With Carrascal available, the red-black squad returns its focus to the match against Cruzeiro , scheduled for Thursday (2), at 8:30 pm, at Maracanã. The match will be broadcast live on the Premiere channel, on pay-per-view.

Flamengo heads into the derby on a high, leading the Brasileirão with 54 points . Cruzeiro is right behind them in second place with 50 points, keeping the battle at the top of the table open.

Flamengo returns to work this Tuesday (30), after giving the squad a day off. The return comes on the back of a 2-1 comeback victory over Corinthians last Sunday. The result increased the Rubro-Negro's lead over its direct competitors and consolidated the team's lead in the competition.

In the transfer market, the club is already planning moves for the next transfer window. Among the names being considered for a move from Flamengo is Michael . The striker hasn't played in months, has lost his place in the squad, and is experiencing a period of dissatisfaction.

According to the Bola Vip website, the player was left off the squad list, even after recovering from an ankle injury that sidelined him for a few rounds. Internally, the trend is that Michael's time at the club will come to an end . Corinthians appears to be a possible destination, as Dorival Júnior is an admirer of his style of play and may request his signing.

DISPUTE FOR POSITIONS IN THE CAST

The arrival of reinforcements and the consolidation of other players in the squad increased competition for places, something that directly affected Michael. Since the Club World Cup, the striker has been on the bench against Bayern Munich and São Paulo , but was left out in subsequent games, further undermining his lack of playing time.

FLAMENGO X CRUZEIRO

Flamengo's next challenge takes place on Thursday (2), at 8:30 pm , at Maracanã, against Cruzeiro. The match is seen as decisive, as it brings together the top two teams in the table. In addition, the game marks the reunion of the Rio fans with Gabigol, who defends the Minas Gerais team.

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.