Long-range goals put Rossi’s performance under scrutiny at Flamengo
Goalkeeper Rossi has been facing questions from Flamengo fans following the 2-1 defeat to Cruzeiro in the Brazilian Championship. The match, which marked the Rubro-Negro’s return after qualifying for the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals, highlighted defensive fragilities that have raised concerns within the club.
Deficiencies in shots from outside the box
Match statistics reveal a worrying trend: Cruzeiro took more shots from outside the box (12) than from inside (10). It was precisely through medium and long-range shots that the Minas Gerais team scored their goals, repeating patterns seen previously in the Libertadores and in their earlier encounter in the Brasileirão.
This tendency suggests that opponents have noticed a reduced confidence from Rossi in saving long-distance shots, opting to try their luck more from outside the penalty area.
Worrying numbers for Rossi
In 2026, the Argentine goalkeeper has already conceded eight goals from shots outside the box, with three of those occasions occurring when he was out of position. In the other five instances, despite being in goal, the ball found the back of the net.
In 2025, Rossi was considered an undisputed starter, but in the current season, the number 1 jersey has seen its prestige diminish among the fans.
The match against Cruzeiro
Flamengo had taken the lead with a goal from Pedro in the first half. However, the second half was marked by a team-wide lapse, allowing Cruzeiro to equalize through Arroyo and take the lead in stoppage time with Matheus Pereira, sealing the 2-1 victory.
With this result, Flamengo lost the opportunity to temporarily take the lead in the Brasileirão.
Flamengo’s next commitment
Out of the Copa do Brasil and with Rossi available, Flamengo will return to the field next Sunday (30th) to face Botafogo at 4 PM (Brasília time) at the Maracanã, for the 25th round of the Brasileirão.
The Rio de Janeiro derby will be broadcast live by Rede Globo, as well as covered by GE TV on YouTube and Premiere. The Coluna do Fla team will follow all the details of the match.
The vulnerability to goals conceded from outside the box calls into question Flamengo‘s defensive security and raises questions about the current form of goalkeeper Rossi. The need to find solutions to this defensive problem becomes even more urgent as the Campeonato Brasileiro unfolds and the decisive stages of the Libertadores approach.
