The stage is set for an exciting clash as Fluminense prepares to face Aparecidense in the first leg of the third phase of the Copa do Brasil 2025. This highly anticipated match will take place on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 21h30 at the iconic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. With a lucrative prize of R$3.6 million up for grabs for advancing to the round of 16, both teams are eager to secure a victory.
Fluminense, known as the Tricolor das Laranjeiras, enters this match with a sense of urgency after suffering a disappointing 2-0 defeat against their rivals, Botafogo, in their last outing. This loss marked the first defeat under the management of Renato Gaúcho, leaving the team in fifth place in the Brasileirão and further behind the league leaders, Flamengo. The pressure is on as they look to bounce back and regain their winning form.
Coach Renato Gaúcho is expected to implement some tactical changes for this match, aiming for a more offensive approach. The starting lineup is likely to include Nonato, Fuentes, and Keno, as the coach seeks to secure a decisive advantage in the first leg. "We need to be aggressive and take control of the game from the start," Gaúcho stated in a recent press conference, emphasizing the importance of setting the tone early.
Aparecidense, on the other hand, comes into this match with a solid performance in the Série D, where they have shown resilience and determination. The team, coached by Lúcio Flávio, is currently riding a five-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, including their recent draw against Mixto. They have successfully navigated through the previous rounds of the Copa do Brasil, eliminating both Votuporanguense and Cascavel. With aspirations to pull off an upset against the more established Fluminense, the Camaleão from Goiás is prepared to give their all.
In terms of player availability, Fluminense will be without several key players due to injuries, including Thiago Silva, Otávio, and Léo Jance. Riquelme and Isaque are in transition back to training, while Guga is also unavailable as he completes his physical reconditioning. Despite these setbacks, the remaining squad is eager to make a statement in this crucial match.
Aparecidense will also face challenges, missing two of their midfielders, Higor Leite and Pedrinho, due to injuries. However, with a healthy roster otherwise, they are determined to put up a strong fight against their more illustrious opponents.
The match will be broadcast exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, allowing fans to catch all the action live. This streaming-only arrangement adds an extra layer of excitement as supporters rally behind their teams from home.
As the teams prepare to clash, predictions are varied. Analysts like Gustavo Zupak have predicted a comfortable 3-0 victory for Fluminense, while others, such as Leonardo Bertozzi, foresee a tighter contest ending 3-1. Ubiratan Leal has opted for a more conservative prediction of 2-0 in favor of the Tricolor. Regardless of the predictions, one thing is clear: both teams are set to deliver a thrilling match.
With the stakes high and the atmosphere electric, fans are gearing up for what promises to be a memorable night at the Maracanã. The first leg of this Copa do Brasil showdown is not just a battle for progression; it is a test of character, strategy, and resilience for both teams.
The second leg of this encounter will take place on May 21, 2025, at the Serra Dourada in Goiânia, where the aggregate winner will advance to the next stage of the tournament. Until then, all eyes will be on the Maracanã as Fluminense and Aparecidense prepare to write the next chapter in their Copa do Brasil journeys.
