Flamengo secured its spot in the Libertadores quarterfinals and a multi-million-dollar boost to the club’s coffers, maintaining full focus on training for the upcoming commitments of the season.
After eliminating Cruzeiro with a 3-1 aggregate score, Flamengo remains alive and strengthened in the race for the Copa Libertadores. The qualification not only secured a spot in the next phase but also a significant financial boost: the club guaranteed approximately R$ 39.6 million in prize money.
Prize Money and On-Field Performance
Flamengo’s victory at Maracanã was secured with goals from Arrascaeta and Samuel Lino. With this result, Flamengo defeated Cruzeiro, who exited the continental competition with lower accumulated prize money, around R$ 27 million. The technical superiority in the aggregate matchup reaffirmed the strength of the squad led by Leonardo Jardim.
Leonardo Jardim’s Response
Facing criticism regarding the team’s inconsistency during the match, head coach Leonardo Jardim was emphatic in defending his tactical choices. In a post-match interview, the coach countered the external pressure:
It’s all about management, but of course, the fans want their favorite player to play every game, 90 minutes, and nothing else matters. But I am paid to do things differently.
The coach declared, justifying the strategic moves he made in the encounter.
Provocation and Full Focus
Forward Samuel Lino, one of the protagonists of the match, did not miss the opportunity to respond to the provocations received in the first leg.
After leaving an opponent on the ground and scoring the goal that sealed the qualification, the player stated:
He who laughs last, laughs best.
The euphoric atmosphere, however, immediately gave way to discipline. Without time for prolonged celebrations, the Flamengo squad returned to training this Thursday (20) at Ninho do Urubu.
Under Leonardo Jardim‘s command, the athletes began preparing for their next Brazilian Serie A challenge, which will again be against Cruzeiro. The tight schedule demands maximum attention from the group to maintain a competitive pace on all fronts.
With confidence high after the qualification, the fans expect the recent financial and sporting performance to translate into consistency in the upcoming matches. The marathon of decisive matches remains intense for Flamengo, who seeks to consolidate its good form in the competitions it is still contesting in 2026.
Equipe M360
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