Flamengo player slams artificial pitch ahead of Copa Libertadores final | OneFootball

Saúl is available for Flamengo to decide the Libertadores final against Palmeiras this Saturday (29)

The synthetic grass in some stadiums in Brazil sparked great controversy in 2025. Upon arriving at Flamengo, Saúl Ñíguez stated on Thursday (27) that he was surprised by the use of artificial material in the arenas, something unthinkable in Europe.

“I didn't know about the grass issue, I was very surprised to learn that teams like Atlético Mineiro, Palmeiras, and Botafogo have artificial grass,” highlighted Saúl in an interview with the Transfermarkt portal, adding:

“Stadiums with a capacity of 45,000 people with artificial grass in Europe are unthinkable. Moreover, the refereeing is different, and I think it can improve so that the league's level continues to grow and becomes even stronger,” said the Spaniard.

Did Saúl provoke Palmeiras?

Flamengo is about to face Palmeiras in the final of the Libertadores this Saturday (29). However, the final takes place in Lima, Peru, a neutral territory with natural grass, far from the synthetic grass of Allianz Parque, Palmeiras' home.

Will there be more synthetic grass in the Brasileirão next year?

Flamengo disapproves of the material. However, the Rubro-Negro will have at least five games on synthetic grass in 2026. This is because Athletico-PR, with Arena da Baixada, and Chapecoense, with Arena Condá, have been promoted to the Série A of the Brasileirão.

Will Saúl play the Libertadores final for Flamengo against Palmeiras?

With Saúl available, Flamengo takes the field this Saturday (29) against Palmeiras, starting at 6 PM (Brasília time), in Lima, for the final of the Libertadores. As usual, Coluna do Fla provides all the information about the decision.

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