Flamengo Faces Fluminense in Thrilling Carioca Final
Brazil’s most popular football tournament reaches its peak as Flamengo and Fluminense clash for the title.
This Wednesday marks the beginning of the highly anticipated Campeonato Carioca final, featuring the historic rivalry between Rio de Janeiro giants Flamengo and Fluminense. The first leg is set for March 12, 2025, at 21:30 (Brasília time), taking place at the iconic Maracanã Stadium, home to fantastic football moments.
Fans are buzzing with excitement as this match will determine who takes home the Carioca crown—a prize both clubs have coveted fiercely.
Flamengo heads to this match as the favorite, boasting strong performances throughout the season. According to local bookmakers, Flamengo’s odds are at about 2.18 to win, making them the frontrunners for the opening leg. They are currently riding high on five consecutive victories and remain undefeated this season with their first team. Their only losses came during pre-season training in Orlando, USA, leaving their record for 2025 with nine wins, two draws, and two losses across all competitions.
Having scored 31 goals and conceded only seven so far this year, Flamengo has shown exceptional offensive and defensive prowess. Coach Filipe Luís counts on the strength of his squad, though they will face the challenge of being without star player Bruno Henrique, who suffered a muscle injury during training and will miss this significant clash.
Conversely, Fluminense is also brimming with confidence. They come to this match with average odds of 3.89 and have been undefeated for nine games. Mano Menezes’ group has played 15 matches this year, claiming victory seven times alongside six draws and only two losses. Their offensive hopes rest heavily on Germán Cano, who has scored ten goals so far this season, alongside notable performances from Jhon Arias and Agustín Canobbio.
Historically, this fierce rivalry is evenly matched. Out of 26 knockout matches between the two, Flamengo has emerged victorious 14 times, whereas Fluminense secured wins on 12 occasions. This final marks the potential tiebreaker of their encounters since both have won two finals each since the start of this decade.
Looking at today’s game, the expected starting lineups reflect both teams’ strengths. For Fluminense, starting players include goalkeeper Fábio backed by defenders Guga, Thiago Silva, Ignácio, and Gabriel Fuentes. The midfield will feature Otávio, Matheus Martinelli, and John Arias, with the attacking trio of Canobbio, Serna, and the ever-reliable Germán Cano leading the charge.
On the other hand, Flamengo's lineup is just as formidable, with goalkeeper Agustín Rossi and defenders Wesley, Léo Ortiz, and Léo Pereira hosting the defense. The midfield will comprise Erick Pulgar and Nicolás De La Cruz, along with creative playmaker Giorgian De Arrascaeta and forward Gerson, backed by Luiz Araújo and Gonzalo Plata.
Within the heated atmosphere of the Maracanã, fans from both sides are expected to create stunning ambiance, making this match much more than just another game but rather a spectacle of passion and rivalry.
The final is not only about the trophy; it is also about pride, legacy, and the joy of the fans. Many will be tuning in, with broadcasts available on platforms such as Mega 2 and streaming options through MegaGo, ensuring fans can witness the thrills live from the comfort of their homes.
With the stakes high and both clubs determined to come out on top, the first leg of this championship final promises to deliver nail-biting drama, skillful football, and perhaps memorable moments for the history books of Brazilian football.
The return leg will follow on March 15, where Flamengo will host Fluminense at the Maracanã again, completing this fervent rivalry’s latest chapter.
This notable fixture will be officiated by referee Yuri Ferreira da Cruz, ensuring the healthy conduct of this match full of emotion and competitive spirit.
With predictions of magnificence and perhaps some fireworks on the pitch, tonight’s match between Flamengo and Fluminense is set to be one of the hallmark events of the Campeonato Carioca and Brazilian football.