Palmeiras tease Flamengo after players criticise Maracanã pitch | OneFootball

Palmeiras have poked fun at Flamengo with a humorous social video on Friday, a day after Rubro-Negro players criticised the Maracanã pitch following qualification for the Libertadores semi-finals on Thursday, according to Nosso Palestra.

Centre-back Léo Ortiz was the most forthright, saying the surface did not decide the match but describing it as unplayable and very poor. He added Flamengo were second best in mental, physical, technical and tactical aspects, questioned how the turf would cope during the FIFA international window with NFL events, and urged those responsible to act.

Ortiz also argued that, at times, supporters of synthetic pitches have a point, suggesting grass in that condition encourages a move to artificial surfaces and that poor natural pitches are the main driver for synthetics in Brazil. Palmeiras’ clip needled Flamengo, who have previously taken a firm stance against synthetic turf.

The rivalry tops the Brasileiro table, with one point separating the clubs as the season enters its decisive stretch. Both are also chasing the Libertadores.

With both through to the semi-finals, another continental final between the pair could follow. In 2021, Palmeiras lifted the trophy with Deyverson’s winner. In 2025, Flamengo overcame Palmeiras with a Danilo goal in Lima.

Source: Nosso Palestra

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”