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Beyond the fact that Antetokounmpo's recent interview with ESPN's Malika Andrews featured multiple comments that would appear to keep the door ajar for an eventual exit from Brewtown, I've kept in regular contact with four sources close to the situation who have all maintained that a move to a true title contender is the most likely endgame for the 31-year-old.

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: I've kept in regular contact with four sources close …

League sources nonetheless continue to indicate, loud and clear, that the Bucks did entertain and discuss Giannis trade frameworks like never before during the final week leading up to the Feb. 5 trade buzzer. While true that several teams came away from deadline week convinced that the Bucks had no intention of actually trading No. 34 during the season, there are just as many teams that continue to believe it will finally happen during the looming offseason.

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: League sources nonetheless continue to indicate, loud …

Flamengo was the target of part of the crowd that attended Maracanã on Sunday night (22).

The team had total control from the start, but only managed to score in the second half.

And beat Madureira 3-0, regaining the support of many Flamengo fans.

This was the first leg of the Carioca Championship semifinal, ahead of the upcoming decisive match against Lanús. 

The scoreline left their spot in their eighth State final very well within reach. 

Pressure even before the ball rolled

Part of the Flamengo supporters protested due to the team's less-than-ideal form at the start of the season.

There were chants of "shameless team" and "we want grit."

Flamengo did what was expected: took control of the game.

But the dominance seen before halftime did not result in goals. 

Madureira, on the other hand, posed no threat. Standing out for their good positioning without the ball.

The end of the anxiety

Flamengo, which went into halftime as the target of the fans, returned for the second half repeating the pressure seen before. Now with Arrascaeta and Samu Lino on the field.

And took the lead at the eighth minute, with De La Cruz picking up a rebound and finishing with no chance for Neguete.

The lead doubled at the 20th minute after VAR confirmed a penalty by Isaías on Samuel Lino.

Arrascaeta converted it, scoring his 100th goal in the Flamengo shirt.

Flamengo's superior quality still resulted in a third goal by Luiz Araújo at 46'.

And now❓

The return leg will be on March 2, a Monday. Once again at Maracanã, but with Madureira as the home team.

Flamengo can even lose by one goal and still advance to the final against Fluminense or Vasco.

Meanwhile, Tricolor Suburbano will need to win by four goals to qualify in regular time.

Before that, Flamengo will play the second leg of the Recopa Sudamericana final against Lanús.

They will host the Argentine team next Thursday (26) with the obligation to win, no matter what.

A victory by one goal will take the decision to penalties.

The title will only be secured in regular time with a win by at least two goals. 

Photo: Adriano Fontes/Flamengo

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