Flamengo has decisive days to define the year

Flamengo enters a series of matches that promises to determine the course of the season. Over the next two weeks, the team faces direct rivals in the Brazilian Championship and faces Racing, from Argentina, in the Libertadores semifinals. These 15 days could once again put the club at the top of the Americas and Brazil. On the other hand, it could also jeopardize plans for the rest of the year.

The marathon begins this Wednesday, the 15th, with the classic against Botafogo , at Nilton Santos, in the 28th round of the Brasileirão. The duel is considered one of the most balanced of the round, as the opponent tries to get closer to the top four, while Flamengo fights point by point for the lead.

Four days later, on Sunday the 19th, the red-and-black team hosts Palmeiras at Maracanã. The head-to-head match is treated like a final and is worth much more than just three points. Currently, Palmeiras leads the championship with 58 points, while Flamengo is close behind with 55. A victory could put Filipe Luís's team back on top of the table and boost confidence for the most anticipated moment of the season: the Libertadores semifinal.

The first match against Racing takes place on the 22nd at Maracanã. The return leg is scheduled for the 29th in Buenos Aires. The Argentine team is under pressure due to key absences, including injured striker Elías Torres. Flamengo, for its part, is banking on the strength of its fans and its experience in continental competitions to try to gain an advantage at home.

Between Libertadores matches, Flamengo still has one more Brazilian Championship match, against Fortaleza away from home. At this point, Filipe will have to manage the squad well to balance the workload and have the best team physically available for both competitions, which have always been Flamengo's priority.

Performance in these four games could determine the outcome of the club's season. A positive run would put the club back in a prime position to compete for the national title and bring it closer to another continental final. On the other hand, setbacks could increase pressure and jeopardize the club's 2025 plans.

Flamengo knows the moment of truth has arrived. In fifteen days, the team will have the chance to turn a good year into a historic one. Or to see it all slip through their fingers.