The conclusion of the first phase of the 2025 Campeonato Carioca, renowned as the most charming state tournament of Brazilian football, has set the stage for exciting semifinals. On February 23, 2025, the competition saw its end marked by tense matches, including the face-off between traditional rivals Vasco da Gama and Botafogo at São Januário, alongside Fluminense's struggle against already relegated Bangu.
This year, the tournament has faced its share of surprises, not the least of which is the disappointing performance of Botafogo, the current champions of both the Libertadores and the Brasileirão, who finished the phase shockingly low at ninth place with only 13 points, failing to qualify for the Taça Rio. On the contrary, Flamengo emerged with grace at the top of the table after dominating the first phase.
Final results from the last round of matches on the 23rd revealed some significant outcomes: Flamengo crushed Maricá with 5-0, Boavista secured a 2-0 victory over Volta Redonda, and Sampaio Corrêa triumphed over Portuguesa-RJ with 3-1. Meanwhile, Vasco defeated Botafogo 1-0, and Fluminense narrowly overcame Bangu at 3-2. The concluding table noted Flamengo's stellar campaign with 23 points, followed by Volta Redonda with 20 points and Fluminense with 17 points, tied on points with Vasco, which edged through as the fourth team to qualify.
Now, as the competition gears up for the semifinals set for early March, anticipation builds among fans. Flamengo's reward for their strong performance will see them face their age-old rivals, Vasco da Gama, on March 1 or 2, depending on the official schedules released by the Federação de Futebol do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FERJ). This Classic match will be one to watch, with Flamengo enjoying not just the advantage of form but also home support.
The other semifinal sees the second-placed Volta Redonda taking on the third-placed Fluminense, aiming to determine who among them reaches the finals of this prestigious state championship. The stakes are high; the victor will secure not just bragging rights but also qualification for the Copa do Brasil 2026. The first leg of this exciting matchup will also be played on March 1 or 2, with the second legs on March 8 or 9.
Botafogo's fall from grace is particularly noteworthy; as stated, "A grande decepção do torneio ficou a cargo do Botafogo, que não conseguiu sequer terminar entre os oito primeiros colocados da tabela," reflecting the angst surrounding their plunge out of contention. Coach Cláudio Caçapa, addressing his team’s challenges, highlighted the need for improvements, emphasizing, "Precisamos competir mais, agredir mais o adversário," and pointing toward their next chance for redemption against Argentine side Racing, whom they will face shortly for the Recopa Sul-Americana.
Caçapa's comments also touched on the need for focus and determination, as the team will strive to launch their own success story beyond this disappointing Campeonato Carioca performances. While Botafogo skimmed below expectations, Flamengo and their rivals have set the tone for competitive matches to come. The road is clear for both glory and disappointment as the tournament progresses.
Fans can only wait with bated breath as these matches approach, wondering which team will rise and which will fall, eager to see if history from past seasons will echo once more or if new champions will emerge from this hard-fought state tournament.