Léo Ortiz move ‘stuns’ fans in Flamengo v Grêmio clash | OneFootball

Flamengo center back Léo Ortiz was crucial in the winning goal against Grêmio

In the 15th round of the Brasileirão, Flamengo showed superiority over Grêmio and won 1-0. The game’s goal came from the feet of Carrascal, with an assist from Emerson Royal. However, Léo Ortiz’s involvement in the play left Flamengo fans ‘stunned’ — in a good way.

With Flamengo’s center backs holding their usual high line, Léo Ortiz was the one who opened the path to the goal. That’s because the number 3 made himself available to receive the pass already in midfield. After receiving it from Royal, Ortiz delivered a perfect long ball, finding the full-back already inside the penalty area. That gave his teammate the freedom to cross and find Carrascal.

“Center backs just don’t show up there like that. There’s no financial gain that outweighs the sporting gain,” wrote one user. “He’s an incredible player. Go ahead and think it’s easy to replace a guy like that,” said another, assessing the defender’s role in the goal.

Check out the reaction to Léo Ortiz’s play:

Is Léo Ortiz leaving Flamengo?

Léo Ortiz is under contract with Flamengo until the end of 2028. Even so, in recent weeks, Napoli (ITA) and other European clubs have made inquiries about the center back. There is a chance of a move during the World Cup. However, Fla does not intend to negotiate players considered important to the squad. Therefore, the player will only leave if an offer considered “unmissable” comes in.

Will Léo Ortiz play in Flamengo’s next match?

With no injuries or suspensions, Léo Ortiz is available to take the field in Flamengo’s next match. The game in question will be against Vitória on Thursday (14), in the second leg of the fifth round of the Copa do Brasil.

In the first leg, Flamengo won 2-1 at the Maracanã. As a result, the Mais Querido now goes to Barradão needing only a draw to advance in the knockout competition.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.