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With underwhelming performances and sitting outside the qualification zone, CR Flamengo is going through a difficult phase just 54 days before their FIFA Club World Cup debut.
After a goalless draw last Tuesday (22nd) against LDU Quito from Ecuador, the Brazilian giants once again faced criticism for the same recurring issue that has plagued the team in recent weeks: dominating possession but struggling to find the back of the net. The team now risks failing to qualify for the next stage of the Copa Libertadores.
In a relatively easy group, Flamengo holds a 1-1-1 record, including an embarrassing home defeat at the Maracanã two weeks ago, when the team lost to Central Córdoba from Argentina. A total of 4 points out of 9.
Não estamos numa posição cômoda nesse grupo, estamos atrás da LDU. É verdade que temos duas partidas em casa, mas enfrentamos o (Central) Córdoba fora de casa e não vai ser fácil. Mas acredito que com nossa equipe, nosso modelo, vamos classificar. O objetivo é passar (da fase de grupos), se é em primeiro, melhor. É um calendário muito apertado, com muitos jogos seguidos. É a quarta partida em 12 dias que tivemos. Jogadores fizeram um esforço grande e terão que continuar fazendo para passarmos para as oitavas, e depois tentar chegar o mais longe possível nessa competição que é tão bonita e tão especial. - Flamengo's Head Coach Filipe Luis.
The team has followed a consistent pattern — even at Quito’s high altitude — maintaining over 60% possession in all three Libertadores matches and registering at least 10 shots on goal in each. However, the return has been poor: only two goals scored in the competition so far, with just one of them coming from a forward.
With a tight schedule, physical wear and tear also seems to be catching up with Flamengo’s squad. For instance, Ecuadorian winger Gonzalo Plata was diagnosed with a bone edema in his right leg and was removed from the starting lineup just hours before kickoff this week. Other key players such as Nicolás De La Cruz, Danilo, and Allan have also been frequent absences due to injuries or struggles with the physical demands of playing at high altitudes across South America. The game against Quito was the fourth game of the team in 12 days.
"It’s a result that doesn’t satisfy us. Even with all the difficulties of playing under these conditions, we did enough to win — but it wasn’t enough. We’re aware of the work that’s being done, and we’ll keep moving forward and improving as a team. - Danilo, former Juventus and Real Madrid.
Forward Juninho, a recent signing from Azerbaijani football, is one of just two players to have scored for Flamengo in this year’s Libertadores campaign. However, despite getting on the scoresheet, his performances have yet to convince the fans, who remain skeptical and unimpressed with the striker’s overall impact so far.
However, there is a silver lining: striker Pedro, who represented Brazil at the 2022 World Cup, is back after making a remarkable recovery from a knee ligament injury in just seven months. A fan favorite, Pedro has already scored twice in the Brazilian league since returning to action in early April, bringing a much-needed spark to the team’s struggling attack.
Soccer director José Boto has already confirmed that the club will pursue reinforcements ahead of the Club World Cup in June. Flamengo has a verbal agreement with Arsenal midfielder Jorginho, whose contract expires mid-year. The club is trying to secure his release in time for the tournament; however, a recent thoracic injury could sideline the player until the summer, casting doubt on his availability.
The club is also actively searching for a playmaker to serve as the immediate backup for Giorgian De Arrascaeta, 30, the current number 10 for both Flamengo and the Uruguayan national team. While a key figure in the squad, De Arrascaeta has struggled with recurring injuries throughout the year, frequently sidelining him at crucial moments.
The club is also in the market for a second striker who can fill the role of fan favorite Bruno Henrique. The veteran forward is currently under investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office for alleged involvement in a match-fixing betting scheme, which has cast uncertainty over his immediate future with the team.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Flamengo returns to action this Sunday (27th), hosting Corinthians at the Maracanã in a derby between Brazil’s two largest fan bases. The team will also make its debut in the Copa do Brasil next week — a tournament they have won in each of the last two editions.
According to the players themselves, they were told internally that the Brazilian league would be the club’s main priority for the 2025 season — a revelation that did not sit well with many fans, who expect the team to compete seriously on all fronts. Despite the ongoing turbulence, Flamengo currently sits in second place in the Brasileirão standings.
At the Club World Cup, Flamengo will open their campaign against Tunisia’s Espérance on June 16 at Lincoln Financial Field. They are then set to face Chelsea at the same venue on June 19. Following those two matches, the team will travel to Camping World Stadium, where they are scheduled to play an opponent yet to be confirmed. Originally set to face Liga MX side León, Flamengo now awaits the outcome of an ongoing investigation that led to León's removal from the tournament. The decision will determine whether a replacement club will be named.
