After beating Racing, from Argentina, 2-1 at Maracanã, Flamengo returns to the field this Wednesday (29), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), in search of a place in the big decision of the Libertadores. The red-black team, however, has its focus divided between the duel and the return to Brazil.
Even with the expectation surrounding the decisive game, the club maintains a well-defined plan for after the match. Logistics were organized to prioritize the safety of athletes and delegation members.
This extra concern is due to the delicate scenario experienced in Rio de Janeiro, where a major police operation against organized crime has been impacting part of the city since last Tuesday (28), generating dozens of deaths.
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Scheme for Flamengo’s return to Brazil
According to ESPN, Flamengo will not remain outside the country after the clash with Racing. As soon as the match ends, the delegation will embark back to Brazil.
The return was planned to avoid traveling at times or locations considered sensitive. According to ESPN, the club has been thinking about reinforced security measures since the beginning of the police operation in Rio.
Upon arriving in Rio de Janeiro, the Flamengo bus will be escorted by the police to a specific point in Barra da Tijuca, in the west of the city. There, private drivers will be available to take each player safely to their respective homes.
ESPN also reported that this new security protocol was implemented after a serious episode involving goalkeeper Rossi, who suffered an attempted robbery on Linha Amarela upon returning from a trip with the team. The Argentine’s car was hit by four shots, but there were no injuries.
What is happening in Rio de Janeiro?
On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, a major police operation was carried out in the Alemão and Penha complexes, in the north of Rio de Janeiro. Around 2,500 agents from the civil and military police and special units participated, with the initial objective of dismantling a criminal faction.
The action resulted in intense confrontation, the use of armored vehicles, helicopters and drones, in addition to blocking roads and burning buses. According to the press, 64 people died and 81 were detained.
Residents reported moments of panic during the hours of gunfire. Commerce, public transport and schools had to be paralyzed. Human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch criticized the operation, calling for rigorous investigation into the use of force and the protection of civilians. The exact identification of the victims has not yet been released.
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