Fluminense is facing a crucial moment in the Copa Sul-Americana as they sit in second place in Group F, with seven points after four matches. Once Caldas leads the group with nine points following their recent victory over Unión Española, which has put the pressure on Fluminense to secure wins in their upcoming home games.
The Tricolor, as Fluminense is affectionately known, has had a mixed bag of results lately. Their last two outings saw them draw with Unión Española and suffer a disappointing 1-0 defeat to GV San José in La Paz, Bolivia. This loss not only cost them the top spot in the group but also highlighted the challenges of playing at high altitude, which has historically been a tough hurdle for visiting teams.
Despite the setbacks, Fluminense remains optimistic about their chances to advance directly to the knockout stage. The team’s next two matches are scheduled at the iconic Maracanã Stadium, where they will face Unión Española on May 14 and Once Caldas on May 29. Winning both games is essential for them to secure the group leadership and avoid a playoff against third-placed teams from the Copa Libertadores.
The defeat in Bolivia was particularly frustrating for Fluminense, as they had fielded a younger squad, with coach Renato Gaúcho opting to rest his key players. Alexandre Mendes, the assistant coach who took charge for the trip, noted, "We created a situation and we will resolve it. We have two games at home, and with the support of our fans, we will surely manage to turn things around and qualify. That is our goal." This sentiment echoes the determination within the squad to bounce back after two disappointing results.
Historically, Fluminense has been strong at home, boasting nearly four years of invincibility in international competitions at Maracanã. This record provides a sense of confidence as they prepare for the upcoming matches. The team knows that a win against Unión Española is crucial, not only for morale but also for their standing in the group.
As it stands, Fluminense has two wins and one draw in the tournament, placing them just two points behind Once Caldas. The Colombian side has shown resilience, and their recent victory has set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the group stage. If Fluminense can secure victories in their upcoming matches, they would finish with 13 points, which would guarantee them a spot in the round of 16 without the need for a playoff.
Looking ahead, Fluminense's schedule is packed, with the Copa do Brasil match against Aparecidense also looming on May 21. They won the first leg of this tie 1-0, which adds another layer of importance to their upcoming fixtures. Balancing the demands of both tournaments will be crucial for the coaching staff as they aim to maintain squad fitness and morale.
The team’s recent performances have sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. Some believe that the decision to rest key players in La Paz was a gamble that did not pay off, while others argue it was a necessary strategy to ensure the squad is fresh for the decisive matches ahead. Whatever the case, the upcoming fixtures will be pivotal in determining Fluminense's fate in both the Copa Sul-Americana and the Copa do Brasil.
In summary, Fluminense's path forward is clear: they must win their next two matches to secure a direct passage to the knockout stages of the Copa Sul-Americana. With their home advantage at Maracanã and the support of their passionate fans, the Tricolor is poised to make a strong push for victory. As Alexandre Mendes stated, the team is committed to resolving their current situation and achieving their objectives in the coming weeks.
