
Soccer
Will Flamengo's board attempt to return Gerson in January? The board sets a target.
15 Set 2025 | 11:20
Soccer
29 Abr 2025 | 14:57 |
The match marks the first duel between Botafogo-PB and Flamengo this season. The match is valid for the first leg of the third phase of the Copa do Brasil, with the return leg scheduled for Maracanã. Coach Antônio Carlos Zago has only been in charge of Belo for three weeks, but has already shown what he is capable of: he has organized a compact team, prioritizing defense and reduced spaces.
In the three matches under Zago's command in the Série C, Botafogo-PB has yet to concede a goal. Along with Brusque, it is the only team in the third division that has kept its defense intact. According to Élison Silva, a commentator for the Nosso Futebol channel and a reporter for the Paraíba club, the initial focus was on defensive solidity. He highlighted the debut with a 3-0 victory over Confiança, even though Zago had arrived in the capital of Paraíba the day before.
“You can see a team with clear ideas, very much guided by a solid defensive line. The defensive organization is the most visible point at the beginning. It is not a brilliant team offensively, but it knows what it wants on the field”, said Élison to MundoBola Flamengo. According to the reporter, Botafogo-PB plays in a compact way, with variations in the offensive sector and players who change positions a lot during the game .
Names like Gabriel Honório, Guilherme Santos, Rodrigo Alves and Henrique Dourado make up the front line, with freedom to alternate between playmaking and finishing. Full-back Evandro has a strong offensive presence, and defensive midfielder Gama stands out for his shots from outside the area. For the duel against Flamengo, the tendency is for Zago to reduce the offensive impetus even further. The expectation is for a team with a reactive posture, even when facing a possible mixed team from Rubro-Negro.
“I believe the team will play with lower lines. They may even take out one of the forwards, like Rodrigo Alves, to put in an extra defensive midfielder, like JP Iseppe or Igor Maduro. The focus will be to contain Flamengo and not go out as often,” said Élison. In the team from Paraíba’s last game, a draw against ABC, Guilherme Santos, Gama and Dourado were rested. They are expected to return as starters against Flamengo.
The striker had the best seasons of his career under the command of the national team coach, which could leave him in good condition for the World Cup
15 Set 2025 | 11:44 |
The final stretch of preparation for the World Cup is approaching. With the qualifiers over , the Brazilian national team will now focus solely on friendlies until the final squad is named . Some certainties are already beginning to take shape in Carlo Ancelotti's mind, as he has secured key players for the World Cup.
Ancelotti on Vini Jr's place at the World Cup: "If he's okay, yes"
In an interview with ESPN, the Italian coach didn't hesitate when talking about the Real Madrid duo: "A guaranteed spot? If he's healthy, yes ( Vini will go to the World Cup). He has to be at his best. (Rodrygo) too . If he's at his best, Rodrygo is a very good player. You can't talk to me about Rodrygo and Vini. I won Champions Leagues with them," Ancelotti stated.
Another name that stands out is Estêvão, formerly of Palmeiras and now at Chelsea. The coach highlighted the young man's personality and his quick adaptation to the Premier League: "I really like Estêvão, he has character, and he's started well. Not only for this World Cup, but he will be very important for the future of the national team, " he assessed.
Endrick, however, is experiencing a different scenario. Ancelotti knows the striker well from his Real Madrid days, but admits that the fierce competition has hindered his development: "Well, Endrick is like Estêvão. He's a great talent. I think Estêvão was lucky. The problem with young players who go to Europe is that they have a leading role here, but not much of a leading role there . I coached Endrick for a year and really liked him as a person, as a professional," he explained.
Until the final call-up, the team will play six friendlies. The first two will be played in October in Asia:
After the victory over Juventude, Rubro-Negro turns its attention to the Libertadores quarterfinals against Estudiantes and faces its rival in the Brasileirão
15 Set 2025 | 11:29 |
Flamengo has released its professional football schedule for the week of September 15-21. After beating Juventude and ending a 28-year away drought, the club now focuses on crucial matches in the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Championship.
Training takes place at CT George Helal: Tuesday (16/09) at 9:30 am, Wednesday (17/09) at 3:30 pm, Friday (19/09) at 3:30 pm and Saturday (20/09) at 9:30 am . There are no activities scheduled for Monday (15/09).
Rubro-Negro faces Estudiantes in the quarterfinals of the Conmebol Libertadores . The first leg will be played at the Maracanã on September 18th at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) , broadcast on ESPN and Disney+.
This will be the ninth official matchup between the teams. In the eight previous meetings, Flamengo won three, drew four, and lost only one to the Argentines . The return leg will be in Argentina, deciding who advances to the semifinals.
After the international match, Flamengo turns its attention to the Brazilian Championship. The team faces Vasco on September 21st, at 5:30 pm, also at Maracanã . This will be the fifth meeting between the teams in 2025. In the Campeonato Carioca, Flamengo won three times: 2-0 in the first round, 1-0, and 2-1 in the semifinals. In the first round of the Brasileirão, the derby ended in a goalless draw.
The midfielder has not yet had an opportunity in the Mengão starting lineup with the coach, but the duel for a spot seems 'unfair' to the manager.
15 Set 2025 | 11:26 |
Flamengo beat Juventude 2-0 this Sunday (14), in the 23rd round of the Brasileirão. In addition to the goals from Arrascaeta and Emerson Royal, the match marked a special moment for Jorge Carrascal, who gave his first assist with the red-black shirt . After the game, coach Filipe Luís highlighted the Colombian's talent and lamented the direct competition with one of the main players in the squad.
Filipe Luís on Carrascal's competition with Arrascaeta at Flamengo: "Very difficult for the player"
In a press conference, Filipe praised the new signing's qualities, but acknowledged the difficulty of the position he holds: "Regarding Carrascal , it's practically the same situation. A player who competes for position with Arrascaeta, who is currently in his best form . It's very difficult for a new player to compete with one of the best players in Brazil right now, if not the best," the coach began.
"We know he can play in other positions too. We're giving him all the care he can get so he can adapt as quickly as possible , because he's a very talented player," concluded Filipe Luís during a press conference.
Carrascal started on the bench and came on in the 83rd minute of the second half. Shortly after, he made his mark: from the left wing, he crossed perfectly for Emerson Royal , who headed in to seal the scoring. It was the Colombian's first direct goal contribution for Flamengo .
With the victory in Caxias do Sul, Flamengo reached 50 points and remains the sole leader of the Brazilian Championship, with four points more than Palmeiras , in second place, but with one game more than the São Paulo club in the competition.
With the midfielder available, Flamengo now focuses on the Copa Libertadores da América. Next Thursday (18), Rubro-Negro faces Estudiantes de La Plata (ARG) at Maracanã, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), for the first leg of the quarterfinals.