The Globe
Fla relies on the fans to climb the table
Concentration for Fla-Flu, Thursday, at Maracanã, starts today in Teresópolis
The 2-1 victory over Náutico was crucial, but not enough to calm the mood at Gávea. With Saturday's three points, the red-and-black team reached 15 and remains second-to-last, in the relegation zone, where it will remain even if it beats Fluminense on Thursday at Maracanã. And as long as this uncomfortable situation persists, the alarm bells will remain ringing.
"The victory brought some relief, but we remain in the relegation zone. Until we get out of the bottom three, we'll be in permanent training camp," said coach Joel Santana, after the team's first victory in three games under his command.
Roger praises the fans' behavior
And the training camp for the Fla-Flu match begins today, when the team travels to Teresópolis, where they will train at Granja Comary until the day before the derby. During this period, Joel intends to improve the team's chemistry, which has changed significantly in recent games. One thing is certain: midfielder Rômulo, promoted from the youth team, has a guaranteed spot in the team that will take the field on Thursday.
"He did very well against Náutico. He showed a lot of personality," praised the red-and-black coach.
Both Joel and the players made a point of praising the support of the fans, who went to Maracanã in good numbers (almost 35 thousand fans) and supported the team until the end, when the winning goal came.
"The fans heeded our call and came out in droves. We can't lose this support, which will only continue with victories. We need to pick up points in these home games until we reach at least mid-table," added Joel Santana.
Roger, who received his second yellow card against Náutico, agrees with Joel. He believes the fans are behind the team:
"Even when we were still tied, she didn't boo. She recognized our effort. If we always play with this determination, we'll always have the support of the stands."
Defender Fábio Luciano, scorer of the first goal on Saturday, made a great impression in his debut, despite only being on the field for 45 minutes. He left at halftime with pain in his right calf. The player doesn't believe it will be a problem for the Fla-Flu match:
- It was just a little pain and we thought it best to leave so as not to run any risk of a more serious injury.
Sports Journal
Flamengo: Shoo, urucubaca!
Euphoria grips the team, but Joel urges caution. He believes danger still lurks in Gávea.
THIAGO BOKEL AND SÉRGIO MELLO
Nina Lima
Defender Rodrigo Arroz celebrates the victory over Náutico. Yesterday, he applauded the fans and performed a decompression session on the pitch after the hard-fought triumph.
Flamengo's players, after yesterday's resounding victory over Náutico, felt they had finally shaken off the woes that have plagued the team this Brazilian Championship. Defender Rodrigo Arroz, immediately after the match, went to the fans expressing his relief at the team's first victory at Maracanã this season. Coach Joel Santana, however, disagrees that the bad streak is definitively over.
"It's too early to say this period of concentration was successful. We urged our fans to come out, and they didn't let us down. It was a hard-fought victory, but with the enthusiasm fans love to see," the coach praised.
The sense of accomplishment from this positive result will only last until today. Tomorrow the team will return to Teresópolis to prepare for the match against Fluminense. Joel celebrated, but he already wants the team focused on the next match.
"Every victory is a title. We had a series of events this week that hurt us, but we managed to overcome them. The team was focused for most of the match, and when that happens, you know things will work out in the end. Now the focus is on maintaining a strong pace in training to get out of this difficult period," Joel concluded.
Another factor that was remembered by the entire red-black group was the presence and support of the fans, who demonstrated that they still have hope that better days will come.
Before the game, Flamengo's vice president of Olympic Sports and city councilor, Patrícia Amorim, presented the Pan American Sports Merit medal to the Pan American athletes.
She was also invited to witness the sanctioning of Timemania, in Brasília, together with the club's president, Marcio Braga\ Juniors face Ajax in Malaysia\
After a 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the previous round, Flamengo's youth team returns to the field tomorrow at 7:50 a.m. to face Ajax in the Malaysian International Tournament. The match will be played in Kuala Lumpur. Flamengo, which leads Group A with four points, followed by Milan, boasts young striker Kayke as its top scorer in the competition, with two goals.
Biancucchi joins Fla-Flu
After a strong start against Náutico, the Argentine could start his first derby
Sergio Mello and Thiago Bokel
JS file
Messi's cousin Maxi Bianchucci could start in the match against rivals Fluminense on Thursday night at the Maracanã
After arriving at Gávea, with the main attribute of being a cousin of Barcelona and Argentina striker Lionel Messi, it only took half an hour of play and a strong performance for Maxi Biancucchi to be close to earning a starting spot for Flamengo. The news that Renato Augusto felt pain in his left thigh and is doubtful reinforces this possibility. He will be evaluated by the medical department today.
The Argentine, who began training in June but only took the field this month, adapted quickly to Flamengo, even putting in strong performances. After Maxi's introduction last Saturday, the Flamengo team improved their performance, securing a victory. The performance pleased coach Joel Santana, who is already hinting at the possibility of starting him in the derby against Fluminense next Thursday.
"I'll review the video of the match against Náutico to make further assessments. I might start him, but I have to make that decision with a cool head. But the fact is, Maxi already deserves a starting spot, and I'll analyze it carefully and perhaps start him," Joel revealed.
Showing off his good old style of catchphrases, the coach said that triumphs are equivalent to titles and warned that if Flamengo doesn't repeat the good performance it had against Náutico, the chances of beating the Rio de Janeiro team will be reduced.
"Here, every victory feels like a title. Now we have to maintain our work pace, paying attention to our diet and schedules, so we can overcome this situation, which has nothing to do with Flamengo's history in Brazil and worldwide. The important thing now is to keep playing well. After all, against Fluminense, if we don't play well, we won't be able to beat them," Joel assessed.
After a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Náutico, coach Joel Santana stated that Flamengo must continue its momentum. The coach took the opportunity to make a special request for Flamengo fans to turn out in large numbers against Fluminense in order to win again. "We need to keep up this commitment. I ask for the fans' support," said Joel.
Red-and-black players praise the fans
Flamengo's volatile run in the Brazilian Championship didn't stop the red-and-black fans from showing their love for their beloved club once again. Even though the game against Náutico was on a Saturday night, nothing stopped approximately 38 Flamengo fans from ignoring the team's position (second-to-last) and the cold, and turning out in force to cheer on Flamengo.
Twenty-four hours after the game, right-back Léo Moura, 28, spoke about the fans and the next opponent, the most charming classic in Brazil, with Fluminense and the club's current moment in the Brasileirão.
"The fans know my potential, and that's why they hold me to such high standards. The red-and-black fans are different from the rest, becoming our 12th player, helping us immensely, especially in finding, who knows where, the strength to overcome the opponent. Regarding the goal, I was happy to score, but at no point did I think about giving the fans a response," revealed Léo Moura.
The full-back acknowledged that things are not going well and believes that the only way to change the current situation is through hard work and dedication in training and matches.
"The group knows very well that we're not in a good position in the standings. Therefore, we can't celebrate a simple victory," said right-back Leonardo Moura, who acknowledged that the moment is still far from being celebrated, as the Rubro-Negro is in the relegation zone.
“Now, we have to focus and continue working and dedicating ourselves day after day so that we can continue to achieve good results,” analyzed Léo Moura.
Roger faces the club that revealed him
Nina Lima
Roger will face Fluminense for the first time as a Flamengo player. The midfielder was unveiled at Laranjeiras.
Supporter Roger will experience intense emotions this week. Next Thursday, he faces Fluminense, the club that revealed him, and the following day he will turn 29. For the player, the most charming derby is marked by balance, regardless of each club's current situation and the number of quality players.
"These are two great teams with a long tradition not only in Brazilian football but also worldwide. I consider it to be Brazil's most famous derby, where what matters most is the strength of the jerseys, not just the players. I believe it will be a great match, even though we know they don't have much ambition in this Brazilian championship, as they are already in next year's Copa Libertadores. Therefore, we have to impose our rhythm of play to win the three points and escape this uncomfortable situation," said Roger.
Regarding the combination of younger players like Renato Augusto, Rômulo, and the more experienced players, Roger has the recipe for a successful combination: responsibility and undivided attention. "The younger players, after a victory like Saturday's, gain extra strength and motivation. Now the more experienced players have to convey to them that this victory helps, but it doesn't completely solve our problems. Everyone must be focused on the derby against Fluminense, trying to win another one," commented Roger.
Regarding Flamengo's future in the Brazilian Championship, Roger foresees difficult times ahead, and that to overcome these obstacles, there's only one way: with heart and soul, grit. "I believe there will be no shortage of commitment and a desire to win in the upcoming games, but we'll face some challenges ahead. So, to overcome them, we'll have to do it with heart... with grit," Roger philosophized.
Fla U-19 defeats Ajax and is in the quarter-finals of the World Cup
Flamengo's U-19 team has qualified for the quarterfinals of the Malaysia International Tournament. This Sunday, coach Adílio's team defeated Ajax of the Netherlands 1-0 in the final match of the first round. Kayke scored Flamengo's goal. He is Flamengo's top scorer in the competition, having scored three goals.
With seven points, the boys from Gávea finished the first phase of the tournament in first place in Group A. In addition to the victory over Ajax, Flamengo drew 1-1 with Milan, from Italy, and defeated Arsenal, from England, 2-1.
The red-black team's opponent in the quarter-finals has not yet been decided.
Léo Moura still celebrates the victory
Joel Santana's first victory wasn't just celebrated by the coach. Léo Moura recalled that the players felt pressured to win, and since arriving at Gávea, the coach has been working on his players' self-esteem, which was highly praised by the Flamengo defender.
“The group has been under a lot of pressure to achieve good results, but the confidence that Joel (Santana) gives us is important,” said Leonardo Moura.
He highly praised the way coach Joel Santana has led the team since he arrived to put out the fire in Gávea.
“After all, it’s essential to have a coach who tries to encourage us, as he gives us confidence,” said the full-back, who continued to heap praise on the coach.
“In his conversations with the group, he always tries to show that we are capable of achieving many victories,” said Léo Moura.
And, to continue stepping on the accelerator and climbing the hill, Flamengo will have ahead of it the most charming classic in Rio de Janeiro and the country, against Fluminense, next Thursday, at 20:30 pm, at Maracanã, fighting to continue its recovery journey in the Brazilian Championship.
"Starting tomorrow (today), we'll be focused on the derby against Fluminense. We respect our opponent, who has a strong squad and a quality coaching staff, but our goal is three points, and we'll do whatever it takes to achieve that goal," said Léo Moura.
José Antonio Gerheim
Free pass
Conspiracy of silence
José Antonio Gerheim gerheim@jsports.com.br
There are still a few games postponed and rescheduled for the Pan American Games before the first round of the Brazilian Championship ends: of these, only Flamengo, still in second-to-last place with just 15 points, will play four games, against Fluminense, Juventude, Cruzeiro, and Vasco. They could therefore reach 27 points. Fluminense, if they win the Fla-Flu match on Thursday, could reach a maximum of 30 points, and Vasco, in fourth place with 31 points, would finish the first round with 34 points if they also win the derby against Flamengo.
O Dia
Maxi messes with Joel's head
A good performance by the short Argentine could guarantee him a place in the match against Fluminense
Marluci Martins
Rio - It was only 28 minutes. Enough time for Maxi Biancucci to show he can be a starter for Flamengo. His performance on Saturday in the 2-1 victory over Náutico resonated with coach Joel Santana, who may give him a chance on Thursday against Fluminense.
"He might start, but let's wait a bit. Let me get over this emotional feeling from the Náutico match and come to terms with reason. He already deserves a chance," said Joel.
The Argentine came on in the 17th minute of the second half, replacing Renato Augusto, who felt pain in the hamstring of his right thigh and is doubtful for the derby. He will be evaluated by doctors today, as will Fábio Luciano, who left the field with pain in his right calf.
The team heads to Teresópolis today, where they will remain in training until Wednesday night.
COME BACK
Right-back Léo Moura also left the field with high morale. He scored the winning goal for the red-and-blacks, but he admitted he hadn't been in good form.
"I was in debt. A lot of debt... I know I wasn't playing as well as I normally do, but this goal will give me confidence. I was in disbelief," he said.
The full-back attributed his comeback to the strength of his family and the conversation he had with Joel Santana before the game.
"He asked me how many goals I'd scored in those nine games under his command in 2005. I said I'd scored five. He asked if another one was coming. And I said yes," recalled Léo Moura. "Joel said I'd have complete freedom to attack, as the players behind me would protect me," added the Flamengo full-back, now more motivated.
Sports Gazette
In the Fla-Flu, Messi's cousin could be a starter
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Cousin of Barcelona star Lionel Messi, playmaker Maxi Biancucchi caught the eye this Saturday in Flamengo's 2-1 victory over Náutico at Maracanã. After coming on in the second half and changing the game, the Argentine could start for the Red-Blacks in the team's next match, the derby against Fluminense on Thursday. "I might start Maxi; he already deserves a chance," revealed coach Joel Santana, who preferred to wait to make a final decision. "I'll only decide after the emotion of today's (Saturday) victory has passed. I need to think rationally," he added.
Maxi, 22, arrived at Flamengo at the end of June, after catching the attention of the club's board by winning the Paraguayan Apertura Tournament title with Sporting Luqueño.
Responsible for the victory, Léo Moura thanks Joel for his trust
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Recently criticized by Flamengo fans, right-back Leonardo Moura dedicated the goal that gave Flamengo a 2-1 victory over Náutico this Saturday to coach Joel Santana. According to the player, the coach's encouragement of his football was fundamental to the good performance at Maracanã. Náutico had opened the scoring after just 11 minutes of play, and even after Luciano equalized in the 24th minute, everything suggested that Flamengo would suffer another humiliation at home. In the 42nd minute of the second half, however, the right-back burst into the box and chipped the ball past goalkeeper Eduardo, sealing the victory for the Rio de Janeiro team.
"Even with the crowd on my back, I had the courage to get up front and score," Leonardo declared. "Joel gave me the freedom to attack and that I would have defensive coverage. He also told me that a person without courage won't get anywhere," he added.
Leo Moura arrived at Gávea in 2005, having already played for the other three major clubs in Rio de Janeiro. The full-back performed well and was a fan favorite, especially after winning the Copa do Brasil last year. In recent months, however, his inconsistent performances have not been forgiven by the red-and-black fans.
PeléNet
Renato Augusto is in doubt, and Fla may have Maxi against Flu
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo may be missing a player for the derby against Fluminense next Thursday at Maracanã in the Brazilian Championship. Midfielder Renato Augusto is doubtful for the match against their rivals, due to right thigh pain. This means Argentine Maxi Biancucchi could earn his first start for the red-and-black team.
Renato Augusto, who is scheduled to undergo tests this Monday, felt a twinge in the back of his right thigh during the match against Náutico last Saturday, and was therefore replaced in the second half by Biancucchi. In fact, upon leaving the field, the midfielder, who is not in good form, was booed by part of the crowd and left the field in tears.
The Argentine, in fact, made the most of his opportunity. With a strong performance, he improved Flamengo's performance and received praise from coach Joel Santana after the match. So far, the attacking midfielder has had three chances for the team, all of them coming on as substitutes during matches—against Santos, Atlético-PR, and Náutico.
Even with the comeback victory over the Pernambuco team, Flamengo remains in second-to-last place in the Brazilian Championship, now with 15 points. Therefore, the team needs a positive result against Fluminense to leave 19th place and move closer to escaping the relegation zone.
Roger approves the delivery of Fla and predicts more scares
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
The 2-1 comeback victory over Náutico was just the first of many dramatic matches Flamengo will play in the Brazilian Championship. At least, according to midfielder Roger's predictions.
For Roger, Flamengo players need to be calmer when finishing
After last Saturday's duel at Maracanã, the player praised the red-blacks' dedication in search of a comeback and approved donation instead of technique as a tactic to be used by Flamengo in the next matches, at least until the team leaves the relegation zone.
"As long as the team is in this situation, it will be like this. We will have scares, but we will only come out with our hearts. In these circumstances, willpower is more important than skill, because with strength, with the support of the fans, the team inhibits the opponent," explained Roger, who provided the pass for Flamengo's winning goal, scored by right-back Leonardo Moura.
"The victory was in the heart. We hit the crossbar several times [two], the goalkeeper performed a miracle, but God helped and in the end I found Léo Moura," he continued.
For Roger, what has been hampering Flamengo the most is its lack of composure when finishing plays. Although he believes the team needs more composure in its finishing, the midfielder admits that it's difficult to ask that of his teammates given the team's current situation, which remains in second-to-last place despite the victory over Náutico.
"We need more calm to finish. If we have that, we'll have more peace of mind in the championship. But, given the circumstances, this anxiety of wanting to decide the game more quickly than normal is natural," he commented.
Finally, Roger praised the players' grit for one more reason. According to the midfielder, the fans' unconditional support—a factor everyone points to as decisive in Flamengo's comeback—only happened because the team showed such dedication on the field.
"The team put on a great performance, fought hard. I didn't hear any boos during the 90 minutes, and that was due to everyone's dedication. Even if we had drawn, I doubt there would have been any boos, given how dedicated we were in the game," concluded the Flamengo midfielder.
BalloonSport
Flamengo Juniors win another one
Adílio's team beats Ajax 1-0 and is in the quarter-finals in Malaysia
Marcio Iannacca
Flamengo defeated Ajax 1-0 this Sunday in a Malaysian International Tournament match. The Flamengo goal was scored by Kayke, the team's top scorer in the competition with three goals.
With this result, Flamengo qualified for the quarterfinals of the competition. Coach Adílio's team still doesn't know who their opponent will be. Inter Milan, Manchester United, and Boca Juniors are all in the Flamengo's path.
Flamengo finished first in Group A with seven points. In the first phase, the team drew with Milan (1-1) and beat Arsenal (2-1) and Ajax.
Renato Augusto is doubtful for the Fla-Flu match
Midfielder feels a muscle ache in his left thigh, causing concern. Fábio Luciano will be re-evaluated.
Marcio Iannacca
Midfielder Renato Augusto is doubtful for Thursday's derby against Fluminense at Maracanã. He left the field during the 2-1 victory over Náutico (watch the video below with the goals) last Saturday with pain in the back of his left thigh and will be evaluated by Flamengo doctors on Monday.
The player's situation is what worries the coaching staff the most. Despite not having a good run of form, Renato Augusto is considered one of the team's top stars.
Defender Fábio Luciano's case is simpler. The player felt muscle fatigue during halftime and asked to be substituted. He's expected to be fit to play against Fluminense on Thursday in the Brazilian Championship.
Roger: 'It's going to be a struggle again'
Midfielder admits that the team needs to improve in every game to achieve victory
Marcio Iannacca
Roger dominates the ball against Náutico
Midfielder Roger admitted that every Flamengo match will be a championship decider. For the player, Flamengo fans need to get used to the fact that the team's remaining matches in the Brasileirão, at least while the team is still in the relegation zone, will be like this Saturday's match against Náutico, when the team won 2-1 with a goal in the 43rd minute.
"Everyone has to be careful for the next match. We have a tough derby on Thursday, and while our team is in the process of escaping the bottom of the standings, it's going to be tough again," says the midfielder.
The player emphasized that the team needs to give its all in every match to get out of the relegation zone as quickly as possible.
"It's too early to say the team is doing well. We want to get out of this position as quickly as possible. The commitment and dedication in every game will be the same as the fans saw here at Maracanã. What we need is to be calm when finishing. We could have made the game easier if we hadn't missed so many scoring chances," Roger analyzes.
Joel reveals conversation with Leo Moura
Coach says he touched the right-back's ego to help him recover
Marcio Iannacca
Coach Joel Santana revealed the tone of his conversation with right-back Leo Moura on the eve of this Saturday's match against Náutico at Maracanã (Watch the video of the player's decisive goal at Maracanã below). According to the coach, the player was being persecuted and needed support to regain his good form.
Leo Moura had been under a lot of scrutiny. I talked to him and asked, "In 2005, in nine games with me, you scored six goals, didn't you?" He answered positively. Then I asked, "And now? How many are you going to score?" I touched his ego a bit. Leo was important in that campaign and will be important in this one too.
He will help me a lot - reveals the coach.
Leo Moura praised the coach's attitude and stated that the confidence given by Joel was fundamental to his good performance in this Saturday's game.
"He told me I had the freedom to attack and that I would have cover. And he also said something that was important: 'Those who lack courage, get nowhere.' Even with the fans giving me a hard time, I had the courage to get up front and score," says the full-back.
Joel admits to scaling Maxi in Fla-Flu
Argentine has a chance to start in Thursday's classic at Maracanã
Marcio Iannacca Do
Maxi Biancucchi's strong performance in the second half of Flamengo's 2-1 victory over Náutico at the Maracanã Stadium encouraged coach Joel Santana (watch the video below with highlights of the Argentine's performance against Náutico). The coach admitted to starting the Argentine in the derby against Fluminense next Thursday.
"Maybe I'll play. But let me get over the emotion of the match against Náutico. I still need to watch the video of that match again. I need to think rationally. But he already deserves a chance," says the coach.
Maxi arrived at Flamengo in June and began playing for Flamengo in August. The Argentine player adapted quickly to the club and is performing well. He is a cousin of Barcelona striker Lionel Messi.
Throw
Flamengo's attackers are struggling with their bad form
Defense is the sector that has scored the most goals in the Brazilian Championship: eight times
Defense has been helping Flamengo's offensive performance a lot (Credit: Cléber Mendes)
Rafael Ximenes
Flamengo's forwards are struggling, and the statistics in this Brazilian Championship prove it. Of the 20 goals scored in the competition, only six were scored by forwards. Midfielder Renato Augusto, who has been playing up front, contributed one goal.
In the Rubro-Negro's three victories this year in the national competition, only one goal was scored by a striker. In the 3-1 victory over Goiás, the goals came from Irineu, Juan, and Leonardo Moura, all from defense. Against América-RN, also 3-1, Ronaldo Angelim, Jailton, and Obina (the only striker) scored. Last Saturday, in the 2-1 victory over Náutico at Maracanã, Fábio Luciano and Leonardo Moura scored for the Rubro-Negro.
Leonardo's best performance among the forwards is two goals in ten matches. He scored against Botafogo and Atlético, and with Obina out to regain fitness and Souza suspended, he's been getting more opportunities.
Paulo Sérgio, Renato Augusto, Obina, and Souza are all performing well below expectations (see the numbers below). With this, and with his strong performance in the last round against Náutico, Argentine Maxi Biancucchi, who has also yet to score, should get a chance in next Thursday's derby against Fluminense.
The Red-Blacks have the fifth-worst attack in the Brazilian league, only ahead of América-RN, Juventude, Corinthians, and Grêmio. The defense is the one that's doing the trick, having already found the net eight times. The midfield, meanwhile, has scored six goals.
Check out the numbers of Fla's attackers:
Paulo Sérgio: 11 games and 1 goal\ Leonardo: 10 and 2 goals\ Obina: 6 games and 1 goal\ Souza: 6 games and 1 goal\ Maxi: 3 games and 0 goals 2 as a substitute\ Renato Augusto: 12 games and 1 goal\
And the number of goals scored by sector:
Defense:\ Leonardo Moura (2), Irineu, Fabio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim (2) and Juan (2).\
Midfield:\ Claiton, Renato (2), Léo Medeiros (2) and Jaílton.\
Attack:\ Leonardo (2), Obina, Paulo Sérgio, Souza and Renato Augusto.\
For Léo Moura, Flamengo's scumbag is over
Right-back scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory against Náutico, at Maracanã
LANCEPRESS!
Right-back Léo Moura, who scored Flamengo's second goal in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Náutico in the Brazilian Championship, said the three goals were enough to help the team overcome the "inhaca." For the player, the red-and-black balls weren't going in.
"That's what we're going for in the championship: three points. Now is the time to celebrate and get rid of the stalemate that was with us. The ball wouldn't go in."
However, Léo Moura was adamant that the victory didn't change the team's current difficult situation in the competition. Flamengo remains in second-to-last place with 15 points.
"In these difficult times, every time I step onto the field, I'll do my best. The victory is something the fans can celebrate over the weekend. We always have to make adjustments; we can't think that a victory is all going to be perfect," he concluded.
Joel explains Obina's departure
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo coach Joel Santana explained the sudden departure of Flamengo's fan favorite, striker Obina. According to the coach, it was a joint decision by the coaching staff and the club's medical department to improve the player's physical condition. Joel also emphasized that despite the victory, Flamengo still hasn't fulfilled its role in the competition.
radio l! - We're just getting closer to the others fighting to escape the relegation zone. We're continuing with our training and concentration regime to prepare for the series of games ahead - he comments.
Flamengo U-19 defeats Ajax 1-0 in Malaysia
Rubro-Negro faces PSV in the quarter-finals of the International Tournament
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo beat Ajax 1-0 this Sunday in the third Group A match of the Malaysia International Tournament, qualifying for the quarterfinals. Kayke scored the goal, scoring three of the team's four goals in the competition.
Rubro-Negro finished the first phase undefeated: two wins (2-1 at Arsenal and 1-0 at Ajax) and one draw (1-1 with Milan). The team finished the first phase leading the group with seven points, the same number as Milan, but had the advantage in the number of goals scored: four to three.
Flamengo will face PSV in the quarter-finals on Tuesday at 18:45 pm (local time), 7:45 am (Brasília time).
Victory motivates Fla for the classic
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo's 2-1 victory over Náutico has given Flamengo renewed energy for the derby against Fluminense this Thursday. Striving to escape the relegation zone, the Rubro-Negro needs a win. Fluminense, currently 14th in the Brazilian league, wants to improve its performance, having failed to score in three matches. Midfielder Roger believes the team from Gávea has a greater desire to win.
"These are two teams with a lot of tradition and history in Brazilian football. It's the most charming derby in Brazil, if not the most famous. Fluminense is more comfortable in the standings, won the Copa do Brasil, and doesn't have many ambitions in this Brazilian Championship. But Flamengo isn't. We have to get out of this situation as quickly as possible because this isn't the place for Flamengo," said Roger.
The Fla x Flu classic takes place at 20:30 pm, at Maracanã.
Joel dedicates victory to fans
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo's fans turned out at Maracanã to cheer on Flamengo, and according to coach Joel Santana, this encouragement was responsible for the 2-1 comeback victory over Náutico. After two consecutive losses in charge of the team in this Brazilian Championship, the coach revealed that the fans' mobilization increased the players' dedication.
"The important thing is that we appealed to the fans, and they showed up. The team responded based on our proposal, the call we made to the fans, and even with the goal we conceded prematurely, the fans remained united until the end of the match, and that was really cool," said Joel.