Fluminense will face Bangu this Sunday, February 23, at 18:30 (BRT), at the iconic Maracanã Stadium, for their last chance to qualify for the semifinals of the Campeonato Carioca 2025. The match is loaded with importance for the Tricolor, who currently sit fifth on the table with 14 points. They must secure victory against the reeling Bangu, who has only managed four points throughout the tournament, and is aware they have already been relegated.
Mano Menezes' squad is under pressure to perform, needing to win by at least one goal more than their rivals Vasco, who are scheduled to play against Botafogo. This scenario complicates Fluminense's path, as they also need to hope for favorable results from the Madureira versus Nova Iguaçu match.
"We need to win and hope for some luck to qualify," said Mano Menezes, providing insight on the team's focus heading to what could be their pivotal match this season. For Fluminense fans, victory is particularly poignant, as it not only affects their semifinal aspirations, but also the morale of the team following recent performances, including their last clash which ended with them overpowering Nova Iguaçu 2-0.
On the other hand, Bangu, coach Júnior Lopes acknowledges their struggles. "The situation is difficult, but we will play to finish with our heads held high," he mentioned, emphasizing the team's intent to give their all against Fluminense. With no wins to their name this season, Bangu remains the bottom-dweller of the league.
The clash between these two teams, filled with historical rivalry, will also involve significant viewership, as the match will be aired live on multiple channels, including Globo, Sportv, and the Premiere subscription service.
Statistically, Fluminense holds the upper hand, having beaten Bangu 146 times across their 232 encounters, compared to Bangu's 49 victories, and with 37 matches ending as draws. Fans are hopeful the team's strong home record will support their quest for victory.
Fluminense’s expected lineup sees them missing key players like Ganso and Thiago Silva, but they are still anticipated to bring forth their best against the struggling Bangu squad. Predicted formations suggest Fluminense might enter the pitch with Fábio; Guga, Freytes, Ignácio, Fuentes; Hércules (Otávio), Martinelli, Arias; Canobbio, Riquelme, Cano as their starting eleven.
Conversely, Bangu's lineup may include Victor Brasil; Vitinho Santana, Ramom Soares, Ítalo, Alex Moretti; André Castro, João Felipe, Lucas Nathan; Ronald Bele, João Veras, Vitinho Mendes, all eager to secure at least one positive result before concluding their season.
With so much at stake, and the atmosphere set at the Maracanã, fans from both sides will be anticipating fireworks on the pitch, as Fluminense strives not only to secure their position but to assert their dominance over Bangu. The stakes couldn't be higher, for both teams tonight.
After the dust settles, we will see if Fluminense can assure themselves of advancement or if Bangu might just surprise the audience with their final effort of the season. This match is not to be missed, promising to be full of adrenaline as the last round of the Taça Guanabara culminates.