Flamengo and Fluminense play for the title of the Guanabara Cup – News of Brazil

Flamengo and Fluminense will duel from 9:10 pm (Brasília time) this Wednesday (8) at the Maracanã stadium in a match valid for the 11th, and last, round of the first phase of the Carioca Championship. And the classic is extremely important both to define the final classification of the initial stage of the competition and the champion of the Guanabara Cup.

The Rubro-Negro arrives at the classic in low. Commanded by the Portuguese coach Vítor Pereira, the team has not been showing good football on the field, which causes concern among the fans of the Gávea team. In addition, Flamengo wasted the opportunity to open the 2023 season with the conquest of up to three titles: Supercopa do Brasil, FIFA Club World Cup and Recopa Sudamericana.

Fla arrives at the confrontation with embezzlements. Defender David Luiz and defensive midfielder Thiago Maia were injured during the game against Vasco and are out. Already striker Pedro is doubtful. Coach Vítor Pereira outlined the starting lineup with the presence of defender Rodrigo Caio, which makes the probable Fla to be: Santos; Varela, Fabrício Bruno, Rodrigo Caio and Ayrton Lucas; Vidal, Gerson, Everton Ribeiro, Arrascaeta and Everton Cebolinha (Pedro); Gabriel Barbosa.

Fluminense, on the other hand, is going through a good phase, especially after the 5-0 defeat of Bangu last Saturday (4). Fernando Diniz’s team has been exciting its fans and many are confident of a victory to seal the Guanabara Cup title.

Left-back Jorge and defender Manoel are still out due to medical problems, which means that coach Fernando Diniz should repeat the team that beat Bangu: Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Nino, David Braz and Alexsander; André, Martinelli, Ganso and Arias; Keno and Cano.

In a press conference last Tuesday, midfielder André minimized the heavy atmosphere on the other side: “The Flamengo team is very good. Until last month, he was competing in the World Cup. And about their advantage [a do empate], I think that if the advantage went to our team, it would play the same way. Our team imposing the rhythm of the game, as it does against all teams”.

More than the Guanabara Cup title, the final positions in the competition are also at stake. That’s because the matches between Vasco, Volta Redonda and Botafogo are of direct interest to Flamengo and Fluminense, who, depending on the results, could meet again in the semifinals.

For Fluminense, just winning the game will be champion. If they tie, they can be overtaken by Vasco (with Cruzmaltino taking three goals from the balance). If you lose the classic, Fluminense could even be left out of the semifinals. The scenario is unlikely, but it can happen if Volta Redonda wins and makes a difference of three goals and Botafogo triumphs and makes a difference of seven goals. For Flamengo, a simple draw guarantees first place. If he loses, he could be overtaken by Vasco, but only if Cruzmaltino beats Bangu on Thursday (9).

Brazil Agency – Rio de Janeiro

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