After scoring at Arena MRV, Gabigol taunted Atlético-MG by recalling the 2024 Copa do Brasil final, where Flamengo lifted the trophy at the home of the Belo Horizonte side.
Tempers flared at Arena MRV following the match between Santos and Atlético-MG, valid for the 30th round of the Brazilian Serie A.
Although Santos fell 2-1 after a second-half comeback, Gabigol‘s appearance on the pitch left a trail of controversy that quickly spread across social media.
After opening the scoring in the final minutes of the match, the striker celebrated by kicking the corner flag, which featured the club’s crest.
The gesture did not go unnoticed, sparking a public war of words between the player and the Galo communications department, reigniting a rivalry that spans several domestic competitions.
The war of words
Shortly after the incident, Atlético-MG‘s official social media profile seized the opportunity to take a jab at the player, posting a picture of the damaged flag with the caption: “Kick here! Only for those who have been eliminated by Galo!”
The message was a direct reference to Santos‘ recent elimination from the Copa Sudamericana, where the Belo Horizonte club defeated them on penalties.
Gabigol, known for never backing down from a verbal confrontation, took to his own social media to counter-attack, bringing up a significant chapter in the recent history of Arena MRV.
The player made sure to emphasize that, regardless of past eliminations, the distinction of being the first champion at that stadium belongs to him and his former club.
“Only the first champion of this stadium is allowed to kick it… Me!”
History and relevance
Gabigol‘s taunt refers to the 2024 Copa do Brasil final.
On that occasion, Flamengo, led by the striker, defeated Atlético-MG in the decisive matchup.
With an aggregate lead built at the Maracanã and consolidated in the capital of Minas Gerais, the Rubro-Negro became the first team to lift an official trophy inside the opponent’s new home.
The player’s response touches on a point of pride for the Flamengo fanbase and fuels the debate surrounding football folklore.
For analysts, this type of interaction, while heated, is seen as an element that keeps the fire of major rivalries alive.
As stated by João Vítor Reis, from Coluna do Fla:
“The taunts are fair. Football needs this. We demand so much that players act more like Romário. So, it’s good to see these jokes from time to time.”
The episode reflects the vibrant personality of Gabigol, who, even in a new phase of his career at Santos, maintains an inseparable connection to the titles won with Flamengo.
While Atlético-MG looks to reaffirm its home-field strength, the striker continues to use the recent past to mark his territory, ensuring that the history of 2024 remains an open wound for the Atlético supporters.
