The stage is set for an exciting clash as Fluminense takes on Aparecidense in the first leg of the third phase of the Copa do Brasil, scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 21:30 (Brasília time) at the iconic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for advancement in one of Brazil's most prestigious knockout tournaments.
Fluminense, currently competing in Série A of the Campeonato Brasileiro, aims to bounce back following a disappointing 2-0 loss to Botafogo in their last match. Under the guidance of coach Renato Gaúcho, the team is determined to regain its momentum. The defeat marked the end of a seven-match unbeaten streak that included five wins and two draws. Now sitting in fifth place in the league with 10 points from three victories, one draw, and two losses, Fluminense is eager to turn the tide in front of their home fans.
In contrast, Aparecidense, hailing from Série C, looks to create an upset. The team has shown resilience in the tournament, eliminating Votuporanguense and Cascavel in previous rounds. They enter this match on a high note, having recently drawn 0-0 with Mixto in Série D, and currently sit fourth in Group A5 of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série D with four points from two matches.
Fluminense's roster will be missing key players due to injuries, including Otávio, Riquelme, Isaque, Gabriel Fuentes, Renato Augusto, and Guga. This leaves coach Renato Gaúcho with some tough decisions to make regarding his lineup. Reports suggest that changes are imminent, with Fuentes, Nonato, and Keno likely to step into the starting eleven, replacing Renê, Bernal, and Canobbio respectively. The anticipated lineup for Fluminense includes goalkeeper Fábio, defenders Samuel Xavier, Ignácio, Freytes, and Fuentes, midfielders Martinelli, Nonato, and Ganso, alongside forwards Arias, Keno, and the prolific Cano.
On the other hand, Aparecidense's coach, Lúcio Flávio, will also have to adapt his strategy without the services of injured midfielders Higor Leite and Pedrinho. Their expected lineup features Matheus Alves in goal, supported by defenders David Júnior, Vanderley, Lucas Rocha, and Xavier. The midfield will consist of Allef, Dyego, and Juninho, with Kaio Nunes, Stefano, and João Marcos leading the attack.
As the match approaches, anticipation builds. The stakes are high, with the return leg scheduled for May 21, 2025, at the Serra Dourada Stadium in Goiânia. Both teams understand the importance of securing a favorable result in the first leg to boost their chances of advancing to the next round.
Fans can catch all the action live on Prime Video, which holds exclusive broadcasting rights for this Copa do Brasil matchup. The game will also be available for real-time updates on various sports platforms, ensuring that supporters can stay connected to the unfolding drama.
Fluminense's impressive form earlier in the tournament cannot be overlooked; they scored 10 goals and conceded just one in their previous two matches. However, the recent dip in form raises questions about their ability to maintain that level against a determined Aparecidense side.
As both teams prepare to clash, the narrative is set for a riveting showdown at the Maracanã. Can Fluminense shake off their recent woes and assert their dominance at home, or will Aparecidense capitalize on their underdog status to pull off a stunning upset? The answer awaits as the whistle blows at 21:30.
