Fluminense vs Flamengo — Preview & Prediction

Fluminense vs Flamengo — Match Preview

This is it. The Fla-Flu. The “Derby of the Crowds” lights up the legendary Maracanã not just as a battle for the soul of Rio de Janeiro, but as a match that will define the 2025 Brazilian Serie A title race.

The stakes could not be higher. Flamengo, in 2nd place, is in a ruthless, neck-and-neck fight for the championship. They just thrashed Sport Recife 5-1, their attack is firing, and they know a victory over their bitter rivals could be the decisive step toward glory.

Fluminense, meanwhile, is in a desperate fight of their own. Sitting 7th, they are scrambling for the final Copa Libertadores qualification spots. They are a team in transition, having lost superstars Jhon Arias and André to European transfers. This match is their chance to prove they still belong among the elite and, more importantly, to shatter their rival’s title dream.

Fluminense vs Flamengo — Quick Match Info

Fixture: Fluminense vs. Flamengo (The “Fla-Flu” Derby)
Competition: Brazilian Serie A
Venue: Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro
Date: 19 November 2025
Time: 23:30 UTC / 5:00 AM IST (20 Nov)
Prediction: Fluminense 0-2 Flamengo
Key Narrative: A high-stakes derby. Flamengo is hunting the league title, while a depleted Fluminense is fighting to spoil the party and secure a cup spot.

Fluminense vs Flamengo — What’s at Stake

For Fluminense: Pride and a place in the Libertadores. Since losing their core (Arias, André), they have been inconsistent. Beating Flamengo would be a massive statement, securing their place in South America’s top competition and, most importantly, stopping their rivals from winning the league.
For Flamengo: The title. It’s that simple. In a tight race, dropping any points—especially to their biggest rival—is not an option. A win would be a massive psychological and mathematical blow to their title competitors.

Fluminense vs Flamengo — Team Form

Fluminense (Last 5): D-W-L-W-W

Inconsistent form. Their last match was a disappointing 0-0 draw against Cruzeiro.
They have been winning but have lacked the dominance of their past seasons.
The attack has struggled to create chances without its former star midfielders.

Flamengo (Last 5): W-D-W-W-D

Red hot. Unbeaten in their last 6 matches.
Coming off a spectacular 5-1 demolition of Sport Recife, where their attack looked unstoppable.
They are in championship form and have massive momentum.

Fluminense vs Flamengo — Team News

Fluminense — Team News

MAJOR LOSSES: Fluminense is a different team than they were a year ago. Midfield engine André and creative star Jhon Arias were both sold to European clubs (Wolves) and are no longer with the team.
OUT: Ganso (Calf), Manoel (Knee), and Nonato (Tendonitis) are all expected to miss out with injuries.
BACK: Martinelli is a key return. He is back from suspension and will slot straight into the depleted midfield.

Flamengo — Team News

OUT: Flamengo is also facing an injury crisis. Star striker Pedro (Arm) is a major doubt.
OUT: Key defenders Léo Ortiz (Ankle) and Erick Pulgar (Foot) are also expected to miss this crucial match.
AVAILABLE: In a huge boost, Bruno Henrique (FW) had his 12-match ban overturned to a fine and is available to play, adding another weapon to their attack.

Fluminense vs Flamengo — Predicted Lineups

Fluminense (4-2-3-1)

GK: Fábio
DEF: Guga, Marlon, Thiago Santos, Marcelo
MID: Martinelli, Lima
AMC: Marquinhos, Renato Augusto, Keno
FW: Cano(Note: A veteran-heavy lineup trying to cope with the loss of its key stars).

Flamengo (4-3-3)

GK: Rossi
DEF: Varela, Fabrício Bruno, Léo Pereira, Ayrton Lucas
MID: Gerson, Allan, De La Cruz
FW: Luiz Araújo, Bruno Henrique, De Arrascaeta(Note: Even without Pedro, this attack is filled with speed, skill, and goals).

Fluminense vs Flamengo — Spotlight Players

Germán Cano (Fluminense): With Arias and André gone, the 37-year-old goal-poacher is their only hope. He is a derby specialist, and Fluminense will be desperate to get him a single chance in the box.
Marcelo (Fluminense): The legendary left-back. His experience and technical quality will be vital, but he will be targeted by Flamengo’s blistering pace on the wing.
Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Flamengo): The “magician.” He is the creative heart of the title charge. His vision, passing, and combination play with his fellow attackers are what make Flamengo’s offense so unstoppable.
Bruno Henrique (Flamengo): Back from a ban, he is a “big game” player. His pace, power, and directness will be a nightmare for Fluminense’s aging backline.

Fluminense vs Flamengo— Head to Head

While this is one of football’s most-played derbies, Flamengo has had the clear advantage in recent meetings.

July 20, 2025: Flamengo 1–0 Fluminense
March 16, 2025: Flamengo 0–0 Fluminense
March 12, 2025: Fluminense 1–2 Flamengo
Feb 8, 2025: Fluminense 0–0 Fluminense
Last 5 H2H: 2 Flamengo Wins, 2 Draws, 1 Fluminense Win
Key Trend: The last three Fla-Flu derbies have all been Under 2.5 goals.

Fluminense vs Flamengo — Tactical Outlook

Fluminense Tactical Approach

Defend and Frustrate: Expect Fluminense to play like the “away” team, even at home. They will sit in a low, compact block.
Marcelo & Keno: Their main attacking outlet will be down the left flank, hoping for a moment of magic from Marcelo or Keno to create a chance for Cano.
Weakness: Their midfield is missing its engine (André) and its creator (Arias). They will struggle to control the game or sustain pressure.

Flamengo Tactical Approach

High-Press, High-Pace: Manager Tite will have his team playing fast, aggressive, attacking football.
Wing Overloads: They will use the speed of Bruno Henrique and Luiz Araújo to relentlessly attack Fluminense’s full-backs, especially targeting the space Marcelo leaves.
Dominate the Midfield: With De La Cruz and Gerson, they will overpower Fluminense’s makeshift midfield and control 60-70% of possession.
Strength: They are in better form, have a deeper squad, and are psychologically confident.

Fluminense vs Flamengo — Key Battles

Matchup	Battle Type	Edge
Cano (FLU) vs. Fabrício Bruno (FLA)	Poacher vs. Physicality	Flamengo
Marcelo (FLU) vs. Luiz Araújo (FLA)	Experience vs. Blistering Pace	Flamengo
Martinelli (FLU) vs. De Arrascaeta (FLA)	Ball-Winner vs. Creator	Flamengo
Fluminense’s Low Block vs. Flamengo’s Attack	Tactical	Flamengo

Fluminense vs Flamengo — Statistical Snapshot

Metric	Fluminense	Flamengo
League Position	7th (51 pts)	2nd (68 pts)
Goals For / Conceded	38 GF / 37 GA (+1)	64 GF / 20 GA (+44)
Recent Form	D-W-L-W-W	W-D-W-W-D
Last 3 H2H	All Under 2.5 Goals	All Under 2.5 Goals
Key Stat	Fluminense is a “Top 3” team in possession… but…	Flamengo is #1 in goals scored and #1 in fewest goals conceded.

Fluminense vs Flamengo — Fan Reactions

Fluminense Fans:

“I don’t care that we sold André and Arias. I don’t care that they are 2nd. This is the FLA-FLU. We MUST ruin their party!”
“If Cano gets one chance, he will score. We just need to defend for our lives for 90 minutes.”
“A draw would feel like a win. Please, just don’t let them celebrate a title on our ground.”

Flamengo Fans:

“This is our league! We just beat Sport 5-1. Fluminense is next!”
“They are weak. No Arias, no André. This should be an easy 3-0. Bruno Henrique will score.”
“No mercy. This is the derby, and it’s our final step to the title. Let’s go, Mengão!”

Fluminense vs Flamengo — Where to Watch

USA: Paramount+, Fanatiz
Brazil: Premiere, TV Globo
UK: (No confirmed broadcast)
India: (No confirmed broadcast, likely not available)

Fluminense vs Flamengo — Match-Defining Factors

Flamengo’s Attack vs. Fluminense’s Defence: This is the match. Can Fluminense’s veteran backline (Thiago Santos, Marcelo) handle the speed of Flamengo’s wingers?
The “Star” Void: Can Fluminense’s attack, led only by Germán Cano, create anything against the league’s best defence?
The First Goal: The H2H is low-scoring. The first goal will be monumental. If Flamengo gets it, the game is likely over.
Derby Pressure: Form goes out the window in a clássico. This will be a tense, physical, and foul-heavy match.

Fluminense vs Flamengo — Prediction

Fluminense 0–2 Flamengo

Why:

While the “derby” factor makes this unpredictable, the difference in form and personnel is just too large. Fluminense is a shadow of its former self, missing the two players who made them great. Flamengo is a well-oiled machine, has the league’s best attack and best defence, and is relentlessly chasing a title.

Fluminense will defend with pride, but Flamengo’s quality, especially on the wings with a returning Bruno Henrique and the brilliant De Arrascaeta, will be too much.

Fluminense vs Flamengo — Final Word

This is the Fla-Flu, the derby that “started 40 minutes before nothing.” It is a clash of identities, but this year, it’s also a clash of two teams on opposite trajectories. One is fighting for a memory, the other is fighting for a trophy.

Fluminense vs Flamengo — FAQs

Q1: What time is the match?

05:00 AM IST on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

Q2: What is the “Fla-Flu”?

It is the name for the historic, 100+ year-old derby between Rio de Janeiro’s two biggest clubs, Flamengo (Fla) and Fluminense (Flu).

Q3: What’s at stake?

Flamengo is fighting to win the Serie A league title. Fluminense is fighting to qualify for the Copa Libertadores.

Q4: Who are the key players missing?

Fluminense are without stars André and Jhon Arias (sold). Flamengo are likely missing star striker Pedro and defender Erick Pulgar to injury.

Q5: Key players to watch?

For Fluminense: Germán Cano (FW) and Marcelo (DEF). For Flamengo: Giorgian De Arrascaeta (MID) and Bruno Henrique (FW).

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