Braga's Blog

Match Overview

Fielding a largely reserve squad due to injuries and player rotations, Atlético-MG struggled to assert dominance against the Venezuelan side. The team’s goal came from a Caracas own goal, while defensive lapses allowed the hosts to equalize. Notably, Bernard made his first start of the year but failed to make a significant impact, and young talent João Marcelo had a goal disallowed for offside.​

Cuca’s Candid Remarks

Post-match, Cuca remarked, “The size of Atlético is unquestionable. The investment is questionable.” This statement, highlighting concerns about the club’s financial backing, has raised eyebrows. While Cuca later avoided further elaboration, his comments suggest underlying tensions regarding the club’s resource allocation and squad depth.​

Implications for the Club

Cuca’s remarks place a spotlight on the club’s management and their commitment to strengthening the team. With the next transfer window not opening until mid-year, immediate changes are unlikely. This situation underscores the need for internal reflection and strategic planning to ensure competitiveness in both domestic and international competitions.​

My Personal Take

Despite the draw, Atlético-MG remains a strong contender in the Copa Sudamericana. However, to capitalize on this position, the team must address on-field inconsistencies and off-field uncertainties. The upcoming transfer window will be pivotal in determining the club’s trajectory for the remainder of the season.​ (Sambafoot EN+6UOL+6ge+6)

At the 11th minute of the second half, Endrick was presented with a clear chance to double Madrid’s lead. Opting for flair, he attempted a delicate chip over Getafe’s goalkeeper, David Soria. Unfortunately, the execution was poor, and the ball was easily caught. Just eight minutes later, Ancelotti substituted Endrick for Jude Bellingham.​

Ancelotti’s Public Reproach

Post-match, Ancelotti didn’t mince words regarding Endrick’s decision-making. He emphasized the importance of pragmatism in front of goal, especially in tight matches. Ancelotti is known for his preference for straightforward play over unnecessary flair, particularly when a game hangs in the balance. This philosophy has been a consistent theme throughout his managerial career.​

Historical Context: Lessons from the Past

The Spanish newspaper “Marca” drew parallels between Endrick’s situation and that of Álvaro Morata during the 2013/2014 season. After a similar incident where Morata missed a clear chance, he found himself sidelined for six of the next eight matches. This precedent suggests that Ancelotti may be inclined to bench players who deviate from his tactical expectations.​

Implications for Endrick’s Future

Endrick’s journey at Real Madrid has been a mix of promise and challenges. While he has shown potential, particularly in the Copa del Rey with five goals in five appearances, his integration into the first team has been gradual. Ancelotti has previously stated that Endrick possesses significant quality but faces stiff competition from established forwards like Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Kylian Mbappé. The manager has also emphasized the need for young players to be patient and seize their opportunities when they arise.​ (Managing MadridManaging Madrid+1reuters.com+1)

Looking Ahead: The Copa del Rey Final

With the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona looming, Endrick’s role in the squad remains uncertain. Ancelotti has expressed confidence in Rodrygo, despite the Brazilian’s recent goal drought, suggesting that experience may be favored in high-stakes matches. Endrick’s recent misstep could influence his chances of featuring prominently in the final.​ (reuters.com)

Personal Take

Endrick’s ambitious attempt against Getafe serves as a reminder of the fine line young talents must navigate between showcasing flair and adhering to tactical discipline. Under Ancelotti’s command, adherence to team strategy often takes precedence over individual expression, especially in crucial moments. For Endrick, this incident could be a pivotal learning experience, emphasizing the importance of decision-making and maturity on the pitch.

1- Srinivasa, K. G., Kurni, M., & Saritha, K. (2022). Harnessing the Power of AI in Education.

Author’s Scholarly Credentials: Experts in AI and education, contributing to Springer’s Texts in Education series.

Nature of Author’s Project: Examines AI’s role in transforming teaching methodologies and assessment strategies.

Summary of Major Claim: AI enhances learning by personalizing content, improving grading efficiency, and facilitating instructor support.

Value for Project: Useful for understanding AI’s evolving role in personalized learning.

Significance and Limitations: The focus on technological benefits may overlook ethical or accessibility concerns.

2 – Zouhaier, S. (2024). The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Higher Education: An Empirical Study.

Author’s Scholarly Credentials: Education and AI researcher contributing to the European Scientific Institute.

Nature of Author’s Project: Empirical study assessing AI’s impact on teaching, grading, and career readiness.

Summary of Major Claim: AI enhances student skill development but raises ethical and pedagogical concerns.

Value for Project: Provides empirical evidence supporting AI’s role in education.

Significance and Limitations: Focuses primarily on higher education, with limited discussion on secondary or primary education.

3 – Singh, E., Vasishta, P., & Singla, A. (2024). AI-Enhanced Education: Exploring the Impact of AI Literacy on Generation Z’s Academic Performance in Northern India.

4 – Altinay, Z., Altinay, F., Sharma, R. C., Dagli, G., Shadiev, R., & Yikici, B. (2024). Capacity Building for Student Teachers in Learning, Teaching Artificial Intelligence for Quality of Education.

Lee, Daniel. “The impact of generative AI on higher education learning and teaching: A study of educators’ perspectives.” Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, vol. 6, 2024. ScienceDirect, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666920X24000225. Accessed 26 March 2025.

Srinivasa, K. G. et al. “Learning, Teaching, and Assessment Methods for Contemporary Learners: Pedagogy for the Digital Generation.” Learning, Teaching, and Assessment Methods for Contemporary Learners (2022): n. pag. Accessed 26 March 2025.

The debate I am engaging with revolves around the impacts and consequences that AI has on education, specifically in terms of its influence on higher education, basic education, and the perspectives of professors. In my research, I am drawing from a variety of sources that provide different types of insight into this topic. 

– Books provide comprehensive overviews and theoretical frameworks that help set the context for the broader discussion of AI in education. These are important for establishing foundational knowledge but can be more difficult to locate since they often require extensive background research.

– Peer-reviewed journal articles can play a crucial role, particularly for empirical studies, as they offer data-driven insights into the impact of AI in both higher education and basic education. These sources are essential for grounding my argument in evidence and will likely be the most important sources in my essay. One article that stands out is a study on how AI-based learning tools improve or challenge the teaching process in universities, which will serve as a key example in my paper.

– Reports and white papers from educational institutions or government agencies are critical for understanding official perspectives on the integration of AI in schools. These sources help to provide a balanced view of the policy and practical implementation side of the issue, but locating reliable and current reports can be challenging as they may be less readily available.

– Interviews or surveys with professors will offer valuable qualitative data, especially from the perspective of those directly impacted by AI technologies in the classroom. One of my sources, an interview with a university professor who has incorporated AI tools into their teaching methods, will be particularly important in illustrating firsthand accounts of the impact AI is having on educators’ day-to-day experiences. This type of source can be harder to obtain but provides rich, context-specific information.

– News articles and online discussions from education technology platforms provide ongoing discourse and real-time opinions on the evolving role of AI in education. These sources offer a snapshot of current trends and public sentiment but can sometimes be biased or less rigorous, so their role will be to supplement more scholarly sources rather than form the backbone of my argument.

At this stage of my research, articles and books are the most important sources I’ve found and will likely play the central role in shaping my argument. However, I will need to continue searching for reports and theoretical works to ensure I cover the issue comprehensively.

Recent goal celebrations have sparked controversy and conflicts in São Paulo derbies; organized fan groups exchanged provocations throughout the week.

Luciano Celebrates Near Corinthians Fans, Causing Controversy

The São Paulo Football Federation (FPF) has sent an official notice to the presidents of the four Paulistão semifinalist clubs, urging them to instruct players and staff to “show respect for their opponents.”

The document specifically addresses a controversial goal celebration seen in recent derbies, where players have celebrated by performing a flying kick on the rival team’s corner flag.

Notable Incidents:

• Luciano (São Paulo) celebrated this way at Palmeiras’ stadium last year and at Corinthians’ stadium two years ago.
• Yuri Alberto (Corinthians) recently did the same at Allianz Parque, home of Palmeiras.

FPF’s Official Statement

In the document, which ge accessed, FPF President Reinaldo Carneiro Bastos writes:

— We request special attention to ensure that everyone is guided to respect their opponents, club symbols, flags, or any other items in the stadium representing rival teams.

— Any action that incites hatred, public outrage, or provokes opponents is harmful to the sport and the competition we value so much — he adds.

Increased Concern Over Fan Reactions

The issue raised concerns this week as members of organized fan groups from São Paulo and Palmeiras posted videos on social media exchanging provocations related to these corner-flag celebrations.

Honestly, I get the passion behind goal celebrations, especially in big derbies like São Paulo vs. Corinthians or Palmeiras, but some of these recent ones have crossed the line. Celebrating by kicking the opposing team’s corner flag? It might feel like payback or hype in the moment, but it’s also just asking for chaos, especially with how intense these rivalries already are.

Luciano, Yuri Alberto… they know exactly what those moves mean. It’s not just about celebrating, it’s a direct jab at the rival club and their fans. And when organized fan groups are already trading threats and provocations, these gestures pour fuel on the fire. We’re not talking about playful banter anymore, it’s turning into something dangerous.

At the end of the day, football is rivalry, but it’s also respect. If we keep letting these little provocations slide, we’re just setting the stage for more violence in the stands and on the streets. It’s time for everyone involved, players, staff, and fans, to understand that passion doesn’t have to come at the cost of peace.

Sport x Santa Cruz: após episódios de violência, clássico terá segurança reforçada; veja detalhes – Folha PE

The match this Saturday is surrounded by high expectations following violent clashes between organized fan groups in their last encounter; Globo will broadcast it for Pernambuco, and ge for all of Brazil.

Violence Between Fan Groups Takes Over Recife Streets Before Santa Cruz vs. Sport

The Military Police of Pernambuco (PMPE) will deploy a force of 865 police officers for security at the Sport vs. Santa Cruz match, scheduled for Saturday at 4:30 PM at Ilha do Retiro, in the first leg of the Pernambucano Championship semifinals. The match has raised security concerns after violent incidents between fan groups took over Recife’s streets during the teams’ last meeting in February.

This time, the match will have a home fans-only policy, meaning only Sport fans will be allowed inside the stadium. Globo will broadcast the game in Pernambuco, while ge will stream it nationwide.

• Sport and Santa Cruz Commit to Public Measures Against Violent Fan Groups

Security Measures

Under the coordination of the 12th Battalion of the PMPE, the operation will cover both the internal and external areas of the stadium, as well as the main access routes. Specialized police units and the intelligence sector will reinforce security efforts.Beyond the stadium’s surroundings, security will also be strengthened at metro stations and bus terminals, where officers will conduct motorized patrols to prevent criminal activities. The entire operation will be monitored in real time by PMPE officials through the Integrated Regional Control and Command Center’s cameras.

As much as I love the intensity of Brazilian football, it’s honestly frustrating and sad that matches like Sport vs. Santa Cruz have to be surrounded by this level of violence. We’re talking about a semifinal in the Pernambucano Championship, something that should be about passion, rivalry, and celebrating the sport. Instead, it’s turning into a security operation with over 800 police officers, just to make sure people don’t get hurt.

The fact that only home fans will be allowed in the stadium says it all. That’s not football culture, that’s damage control. When the streets of Recife turn into battlegrounds because of organized fan groups, it stops being about sport and starts becoming a public safety issue.

Football should bring people together, not make them afraid to attend a match. This rivalry is one of the most historic in Brazil, and it deserves to be celebrated, not tainted by violence.

Sport x Santa Cruz: esquema de segurança para clássico terá 865 policiais | campeonato pernambucano | ge

Palmeiras forward Luighi was the target of racist abuse by a Cerro Porteño fan during a Conmebol U-20 Libertadores match on Thursday in Paraguay. Verdão won the match 3-0.

Statements of Condemnation from Palmeiras, Conmebol, CBF, São Paulo, Corinthians, and Santos

The fan made monkey gestures toward the player, who became visibly upset, left the field in tears, and vented his frustration in a post-match interview when asked by a reporter about the game. Luighi was also spat on while heading to the bench.

— No, no. Are you serious? You’re not going to ask me about the racist act that happened to me today? Seriously? How long are we going to go through this? Tell me, how long? What they did to me is a crime—aren’t you going to ask about that?

— You’re going to ask me about the game? What is Conmebol going to do about this? Or CBF, I don’t know. You weren’t even going to ask about it, were you? It’s a crime, what happened today. This is a youth tournament—we are here to learn — said Luighi.

Palmeiras, Clubs, and Conmebol Speak Out

In an official statement, Palmeiras expressed support for the player and vowed to go to the “ultimate extent” to ensure those responsible are punished. Corinthians and São Paulo also voiced their support for Luighi.

Conmebol condemned the acts and promised “disciplinary measures.”

 On Friday, Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior defended Luighi and called for severe punishments from football’s governing bodies.

What happened to Luighi during the U-20 Libertadores match is just heartbreaking and infuriating. Watching a young player, who’s out there trying to grow and represent his club, be subjected to that kind of racism is beyond unacceptable. The fact that he was not only mocked with monkey gestures but also spat on—and then had to ask the reporter to even acknowledge it, just shows how deep the problem runs.

His reaction in the interview said it all. You could feel the pain and frustration in every word. “You’re going to ask me about the game?” That line hit me hard. Because it’s true, how are we still at a point where this kind of abuse happens, and people want to move on like it’s just another matchday?

Props to Vinícius Jr. for standing up too. It’s sad that he understands so well what Luighi is going through, but it’s also powerful to see him use his voice for change. It’s just tragic that young players in 2025 are still having to fight the same battle. We can’t let this keep happening.

Caso Luighi: jogador palmeirense vítima de racismo fala ao Fantástico | Fantástico | G1

Portuguese coach was annoyed by a long question moments after his team lost 3-1 to Rangers

Mourinho Pretends to Be Asleep in Press Conference After Fenerbahçe’s Defeat; See His Facial Expressions

The controversial tenure of José Mourinho at Fenerbahçe gained another chapter on Thursday in the Europa League. After his team lost 3-1 at home to Rangers in the Europa League, the Portuguese coach was irritated by a long question and pretended to fall asleep while the reporter was asking it.

— Ah, this is too much for my head. I’m tired, man, 90 minutes without listening to all this, I’m too tired for this — he said.

To advance to the Europa League quarter-finals, Fenerbahçe needs to win by three goals in Scotland. If they win by two, they will force extra time.

— We played very badly in all areas of the field. I don’t think it’s fair to say we were very bad in defense because we were very bad in all areas.

Mourinho was so harsh in his criticism that he considered it a relief to lose by just two goals in Turkey.

— Maybe you’ll laugh, but for me, it was a good result because with the way we played, the score could have been much worse than this.

As much as I’ve always found José Mourinho entertaining, I think his gesture at the press conference, pretending to fall asleep during a reporter’s question he crosses a line. Yeah, it was kind of funny at first glance, especially because Mourinho has that sarcastic edge we’ve all come to expect. But when you really think about it, it’s also incredibly disrespectful, especially in a professional setting right after a tough loss.

Reporters are just doing their jobs, trying to ask questions that fans and viewers want answered. Whether the question was long or not, reacting like that sends a message that he’s above criticism or accountability. As a coach, especially one with such a high profile, he should be setting an example of professionalism, even in frustrating moments. His attitude might make headlines, but it also reflects poorly on the club and disrespects the work of journalists who are there to cover the sport.

Mourinho’s honesty about the poor performance was refreshing, but that gesture? It just overshadowed everything else.

Mourinho finge estar dormindo em coletiva após derrota do Fenerbahçe; veja caras e bocas | futebol internacional | ge

After assisting Rayan’s goal and committing a series of hard fouls throughout the match, the full-back did not hold back against the Argentinians. After the final whistle, the Grêmio youth prospect pointed to the five stars on the Brazilian jersey and repeatedly made the number five gesture with his hand, alluding to the national team’s five World Cup titles. The gesture did not sit well with the Argentinians and led to the player receiving criticism and insults on social media.

The player’s provocations and tackles had repercussions in the neighboring country. Among mentions of the group stage match where Brazil lost 6-0 to Argentina and criticism of the refereeing, the Brazilian was also the target of insults. One of the users called the player a “white albino monkey.”

In addition to assisting the equalizing goal, Igor made several harsh tackles throughout the match. The full-back left his foot in a challenge with Julio Soler and later went in with a sliding tackle on forward Alex Woiski. The tackle earned him a yellow card, and according to a statement from the AFA, the Argentine player suffered significant abdominal trauma.

Igor’s behavior on the field seems to be a reflection of the intense atmosphere surrounding the match, both on and off the pitch. The historic rivalry between Brazil and Argentina naturally brings heightened emotions, and the pressure to perform can lead to aggressive plays like these. Additionally, the hostile reception from opposing fans, including racist and offensive remarks, may have contributed to his combative approach during the game. While his actions resulted in a yellow card and an injury to an opponent, they also highlight how external factors, such as racism and the weight of national pride, can influence a player’s mentality. In a high-stakes match like this, emotions run high, and players often find themselves caught between passion and discipline, responding not just to the game itself but also to the broader tensions surrounding it.