Flamengo is set to clash against Maricá this Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the iconic Maracanã Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 19:00 (Brasília time). This encounter marks the last round of the Taça Guanabara, the first stage of the Campeonato Carioca, and both teams prepare for what promises to be a thrilling match.
The Flamengo squad enters the game with the advantage of already being qualified for the semifinals. They sit at the top of the standings with 20 points accrued through six victories, two draws, and two losses. To secure the symbolic title of the Taça Guanabara, Flamengo must defeat Maricá. The vice-leader, Volta Redonda, matches Flamengo's number of wins and points but trails due to a 12-goal deficit in goal difference.
On the flip side, Maricá, currently positioned ninth with 12 points, hopes to extend their chances for semifinal qualification. They need to secure victory against Flamengo and rely on favorable outcomes from other matches to achieve this goal. Despite their current standing, Maricá was once the surprise team of the tournament, beginning the season with three wins from their first four games, but they have since gone six games without victory.
Flamengo's coach, Filipe Luís, faces some challenges with injuries. Important players like Pedro, Viña, Alex Sandro, and Juninho will not participate due to various injuries, leaving significant holes in the lineup. De la Cruz's participation is also uncertain after he sustained a cut on his foot, casting doubt over his availability for the match. Amid these absences, Luis is expected to include Rossi, Wesley, Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz, and Varela along with Gerson, Evertton Araújo, and Allan for midfield. Creative forwards Luiz Araújo, Everton Cebolinha, and Bruno Henrique will lead the attack.
For Maricá, head coach Reinaldo has the fortunate circumstance of not missing any players due to injuries, but he must navigate the situation of seven players at risk of suspension after receiving yellow cards. These include Gutemberg, Hugo Borges, Mizael, Ramon, Sandro Silva, Valdenilson, and Vinícius, which could impact performance if not managed carefully. Reinaldo's chosen lineup is expected to include Dida, Almir, Sandro Silva, Felipe Carvalho, João Victor, with Bezerro, Vinícius, Hugo Borges, and Walber controlling the midfield, plus Denilson and Jonathan Chula as the forward duo.
The match promises to be exciting, not just due to the stakes involved but also because it will be the first meeting between these two teams at this competitive level. Maricá has just entered the top tier of the Campeonato Carioca after winning the Série A2 title last season, making this their first encounter with Flamengo, the competition's most decorated club with 24 titles.
For fans eager to follow the game, multiple viewing options are available. The match will be broadcast live on Sportv and Premiere channels, ensuring broad access for supporters. Fans can also enjoy real-time updates via CNN Esportes and other sports platforms, promising to capture all the key moments and highlights as they happen.
With expectations riding high for Flamengo to extend their winning streak and for Maricá to capitalize on their opportunities, this match is set to showcase some captivating football. It is not only about securing points—it’s about pride, history, and the pursuit of triumph under the floodlights of Maracanã.