From wonder goal to vital clearance: Pulgar's impact for Flamengo

In partnership with

Coluna do Fla

·14 August 2026

From wonder goal to vital clearance: Pulgar's impact for Flamengo

How has Erick Pulgar performed in Flamengo’s recent matches?

Erick Pulgar has been one of the key pieces in Flamengo’s midfield engine. In the last two matches, in fact, the number 5 had direct involvement in Mengão’s results.

Last Sunday (09), Flamengo hosted Vitória and won the Brasileirão clash 2-0 at the Maracanã. Mengão’s first goal came from a ‘stunner’ by Erick Pulgar. In the play, the Chilean received the ball in midfield and, unleashing a rocket, found the top corner of the goal defended by the Bahia side’s goalkeeper.

OneFootball Videos

HOW DID ERICK PULGAR PERFORM IN FLAMENGO VS CRUZEIRO IN THE LIBERTADORES?

In the opening match of the round of 16 tie between Flamengo and Cruzeiro in the Libertadores, Erick Pulgar was once again in action. So, this Wednesday (12), the defensive midfielder looked active and hardworking throughout the game.

Erick Pulgar formed a midfield duo with Jorginho. That way, besides directly helping Flamengo’s defensive balance, the Chilean also appeared as an option in the attacking system.

WHAT HAPPENED IN ERICK PULGAR’S KEY PLAY IN FLAMENGO VS CRUZEIRO?

Erick Pulgar’s decisive moment against Cruzeiro came late in the match, when Gerson managed to launch a counterattack. At first, Mengão’s number 5 tried to stop the Minas Gerais side’s midfielder, but he did not give up on the play.

After refusing to quit on the play, Erick Pulgar made a crucial sliding tackle inside the box on the former Flamengo player, preventing a dangerous chance for the opposition. In the end, once the play was over, Mengão’s players celebrated enthusiastically with the Chilean.

View this photo on Instagram A post shared by Coluna do Fla ᴱᴹ 🇵🇹 | Flamengo (@colunadofla)

WHAT IS ERICK PULGAR’S CURRENT SITUATION?

Erick Pulgar has been one of Flamengo’s pillars in recent seasons. However, this year the defensive midfielder has gone through some ups and downs, in addition to spending some time sidelined with a right shoulder injury.

During that period, Evertton Araújo stepped up his performances and changed the course of things at Flamengo. However, once cleared to play again, Erick Pulgar regained his spot and became one of coach Leonardo Jardim’s trusted men.

WHAT IS FLAMENGO’S SITUATION AHEAD OF THE MATCH AGAINST CRUZEIRO?

With Erick Pulgar on the field, Flamengo managed a 1-1 draw with Cruzeiro at Mineirão. That means the match at the Maracanã will be decisive for both teams. On Wednesday (19), whoever wins the duel will advance to the Libertadores quarterfinals. Finally, if the score is level again, the spot will be decided on penalties.

WHAT IS FLAMENGO’S NEXT MATCH?

Flamengo return to the field this Sunday (16), this time in the Brasileirão. The match against Mirassol will kick off at 6:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Estádio Maião. As usual, Coluna do Fla TV will bring all the details of the clash with on-site coverage from Leo José and Rodrigo Lima on YouTube, as well as on the website and social media.

WHAT IS THE AUTHOR’S OPINION ON THE SUBJECT?

“A lot is sometimes said about his temperament and the cards, but Erick Pulgar is much more than that. In recent matches, the Chilean has stood out and shown quality on the ball. When the midfielder keeps his head in the right place, Flamengo gain a lot from it,” said Coluna do Fla journalist Rodrigo Lima.

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