Rafael Sóbis, Denilson and others: pundits who doubted Flamengo | OneFootball

Flamengo Overcame Racing (ARG) in the Libertadores Semifinal and Disappointed Rival Fans

Flamengo experienced another historic night last Wednesday (29). Facing Racing (ARG) at the El Cilindro stadium, the Rubro-Negro held onto a 0-0 draw and secured a spot in the 2025 Libertadores final, with an aggregate score of 1-0. In doing so, Fla 'defied' the predictions of several commentators, such as Rafael Sobis, Denilson, and “Craque” Neto.

Recall the Comments from Each:

1. Denilson “Flamengo won't make it. The 1-0 is a narrow result. In the group stage, Flamengo performed very poorly, even risking not qualifying.

Technically, Flamengo is a better team (than Racing), but they need to be calmer with the ball. The result (of the first game) was important, but it's not enough for qualification. Flamengo will suffer a lot, the guys will come at them with everything.”

2. Rafael Sobis

“I think Palmeiras has a better chance of turning it around than Flamengo does of advancing. Flamengo struggled a lot against an Argentine team, and they are peculiar. It's very difficult to play there. Palmeiras, having synthetic turf and facing a less traditional team, has every chance.

The mountain for Flamengo is much tougher. Flamengo is very good with the ball. But in Argentina, the game is different. I hope for both Brazilian teams, but I think it will be Palmeiras vs. Racing. In Argentina, it's a different game, it's not a given.”

3. Craque Neto “In my opinion, after yesterday's game, Flamengo won't get past Racing. The Argentine team will advance to compete in the Libertadores final against Palmeiras, who will win both games against LDU.”

And the Racing Coach?

Right after the first semifinal game at Maracanã, coach Gustavo Costas stated that the Argentine team “would go to Lima”, referring to the venue of the Libertadores final.

However, unable to overcome Flamengo, the coach will not be going to the final... at least not to compete for the title. But if he wants to keep his promise, Gustavo Costas can buy a ticket and admission to watch Fla in the continental title decision.

When is the Libertadores Final?

The grand final of the Libertadores 2025 takes place on November 29, at the Monumental U stadium in Lima (PER). The venue brings back good memories for Flamengo, as it was on this stage that the Rubro-Negro won the historic final in 2019, against River Plate (ARG).

Who Will Flamengo Face in the Final?

Now qualified, Flamengo awaits the winner of the match between Palmeiras and LDU (EQU) to know their opponent in the final.

In the first game, the Ecuadorian team won 3-0 and gained a good advantage in the duel. In summary, the decisive game takes place this Thursday (30), at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), at Allianz Parque.

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