Flamengo is set to host Juventude on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the iconic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro for the fourth round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. The match kicks off at 21h30 (Brasília time) and is expected to draw significant attention as both teams vie for crucial points early in the season.
Flamengo, currently leading the Série A standings with 7 points, is coming off a solid 2-0 victory against Grêmio in their last outing. The team has shown resilience and skill, making them a formidable opponent at home. On the other hand, Juventude sits in third place with 6 points after securing a 2-1 win against Ceará in their previous match, demonstrating their competitive edge this season.
In a twist of events leading up to the match, Flamengo’s coach, Filipe Luís, is expected to make some significant changes to the starting lineup. Star player Bruno Henrique is unlikely to start due to allegations of involvement in sports results fraud. This situation has cast a shadow over the team, prompting the coach to opt for Juninho and Everton Cebolinha in the attacking roles instead. Fans are eager to see how these changes will impact the team's performance.
Another potential change includes Danilo, who may return to the starting lineup after recovering from an injury that sidelined him for over a month. The defense will also see some uncertainty, with a decision still pending on whether Alex Sandro or Ayrton Lucas will take the left-back position. On the right side, Varela and Wesley are also in contention for starting roles.
Historically, Flamengo has a significant advantage when playing against Juventude at home. The last time Flamengo lost to Juventude at the Maracanã was nearly 20 years ago, on July 21, 2005, when Juventude triumphed with a 4-3 victory during the 13th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. Since that match, Flamengo has faced Juventude five times at home, winning all encounters, including a 4-2 victory in their last meeting at the Maracanã last year.
As the teams prepare for this highly anticipated clash, fans are buzzing with excitement. Flamengo's probable lineup includes Rossi; Wesley (or Varela), Léo Ortiz, Danilo, and Alex Sandro (or Ayrton Lucas); Erick Pulgar, Allan, and Arrascaeta; Gerson, Cebolinha, and Juninho. Juventude, managed by Fábio Matias, is expected to field Gustavo; Ewerthon, Adriano Martins, Abner, and Felipinho; Davi Góes, Jadson, and Mandaca; with Batalla, Giovanny, and Matheus Babi leading the attack.
With both teams eager to secure a win, the match promises to be an exciting showdown. Flamengo’s home advantage and historical dominance over Juventude will be tested against Juventude’s strong start to the season and their determination to claim an upset.
Fans can catch the action live on TV Globo and Premiere, ensuring that no one misses a moment of this thrilling encounter. As the match approaches, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation, making it clear that both teams will leave everything on the pitch in pursuit of victory.
As the action unfolds, all eyes will be on the Maracanã, where Flamengo aims to continue their home unbeaten streak against Juventude and solidify their position at the top of the league.
