Grêmio vs Fluminense — Match Preview
The Arena do Grêmio sets the stage for a high-stakes encounter in the penultimate round of the 2025 Brasileirão. Grêmio, currently 9th, host a Fluminense side sitting comfortably in 5th place but hungry to secure a direct spot in next year’s Copa Libertadores.
The narrative surrounding this match is heavy with tension. Grêmio manager Mano Menezes is reportedly fighting for his future, with the club’s incoming management set to evaluate his tenure after these final two games. A win against a top-tier rival would be a powerful statement. Meanwhile, Fluminense, under the guidance of Luis Zubeldía, arrives in formidable form—fresh off a 6-0 demolition of São Paulo. With the Tricolor das Laranjeiras unbeaten in their last five, they will look to exploit Grêmio’s injury-ravaged squad to cement their place in the G4.
Grêmio vs Fluminense — Quick Match Info
- Fixture: Grêmio vs Fluminense
- Competition: Brasileirão Série A (Round 37)
- Venue: Arena do Grêmio, Porto Alegre (Capacity: 60,540)
- Date: Tuesday, 2 December 2025 (Local Time) / Wednesday Morning (IST)
- Kickoff Time: 20:30 Local / 00:30 GMT / 05:00 IST (Wednesday)
- Referee: Raphael Claus (FIFA)
- TV Channel (Brazil): Premiere, SporTV
- TV Channel (International): Fanatiz, 1190 Sports
- Live Stream: Fanatiz (Global), Brasileirão Play
Grêmio vs Fluminense — Match Context (2025 Season)
Grêmio:
- Position: 9th in Série A (46 Points).
- Form: Inconsistent. While they beat Palmeiras 3-2 recently, they have lost 2 of their last 5 matches. Their defense has been leaky, conceding 48 goals this season (negative goal difference of -6).
- Current Challenge: An injury crisis of epic proportions. Missing key scorers like Martin Braithwaite and Carlos Vinícius, plus midfield anchor Villasanti, Mano Menezes is forced to field a patchwork XI.
Fluminense:
- Position: 5th in Série A (58 Points).
- Form: Scintillating. Unbeaten in their last 5 (3 Wins, 2 Draws), scoring 9 goals and conceding just 1. The 6-0 thrashing of São Paulo was a season highlight.
- Current Challenge: Maintaining intensity away from home. Zubeldía has fixed the defense (only 38 conceded), but the potential absence of Thiago Silva requires a reshuffle at the back.
Grêmio vs Fluminense — What’s at Stake
For Grêmio:
- Mano’s Job & Sudamericana: A win virtually guarantees a top-half finish and Copa Sudamericana football. For Mano Menezes, it’s a final audition to prove he deserves a contract extension for 2026.
For Fluminense:
- Direct Libertadores Spot: Sitting 5th, Fluminense are on the cusp of the G4 (automatic Libertadores group stage). A win here would apply massive pressure on the teams above them heading into the final day.
Grêmio vs Fluminense — Team Form
Grêmio (Last 5 Matches):
- W vs Palmeiras (3-2)
- L vs Botafogo (2-3)
- W vs Vasco (2-0)
- D vs Fortaleza (2-2)
- L vs Cruzeiro (0-1)
Fluminense (Last 5 Matches):
- W vs São Paulo (6-0)
- D vs Palmeiras (0-0)
- W vs Flamengo (2-1)
- D vs Cruzeiro (0-0)
- W vs Mirassol (1-0)
Grêmio vs Fluminense — Team News
Grêmio:
- Forward Crisis: Top scorers Martin Braithwaite (Achilles) and Carlos Vinícius (Suspended/Yellows) are out. Youngster Alysson Edward or Arezo will likely lead the line.
- Midfield & Defense: Key volante Mathías Villasanti (Knee) and defender Rodrigo Ely (Knee) are sidelined.
- Other Absences: João Pedro (Muscle), Monsalve (Inactive), Cristian Olivera (Ankle), and Francis Amuzu (Suspended) are all unavailable.
- Key Return: Arthur (on loan from Juventus) is expected to control the midfield in Villasanti’s absence.
Fluminense:
- Thiago Silva: Questionable (Injury). The veteran captain is a major doubt; Antônio Carlos or Felipe Melo could step in.
- Germán Cano: Questionable (Knee Injury). If “El King” can’t play, Kauã Elias or John Kennedy will start upfront.
- Suspended/Injured: Agustín Canobbio (Yellows) and Manoel (Knee) are out.
- Availability: Kevin Serna and Jhon Arias are fit and will drive the attack from the wings.
Grêmio vs Fluminense — Head to Head
- 03 Aug 2025: Fluminense 1–0 Grêmio (Série A)
- 02 Nov 2024: Fluminense 2–2 Grêmio (Série A)
- 21 Aug 2024: Fluminense 2–1 (4-2 pens) Grêmio (Libertadores)
- 14 Aug 2024: Grêmio 2–1 Fluminense (Libertadores)
- 01 Jul 2024: Grêmio 1–0 Fluminense (Série A)
Grêmio vs Fluminense — Predicted Lineups
Grêmio (4-2-3-1):
Mano Menezes is forced into a makeshift lineup but will rely on the creativity of Cristaldo and Pavon.
- GK: Agustín Marchesín
- RB: João Pedro (Wait – Listed as Injured, so Fabio or Igor Serrote plays)
- CB: Walter Kannemann (C)
- CB: Jemerson
- LB: Reinaldo
- CDM: Dodi
- CDM: Arthur
- RW: Cristian Pavón
- CAM: Franco Cristaldo
- LW: Yeferson Soteldo
- ST: Matías Arezo
Fluminense (4-2-3-1):
Zubeldía maintains his aggressive structure. Without Canobbio, Keno or Serna starts on the left.
- GK: Fábio
- RB: Samuel Xavier
- CB: Thiago Santos
- CB: Antônio Carlos (Replacing Thiago Silva)
- LB: Diogo Barbosa
- CDM: Facundo Bernal
- CDM: Martinelli
- RW: Jhon Arias
- CAM: Ganso
- LW: Kevin Serna
- ST: Kauã Elias (Replacing Cano)
Grêmio vs Fluminense — Impact Bench Options
Grêmio:
- Nathan: Can provide a spark in midfield if Cristaldo tires.
- Edenílson: Offers experience and versatility to close out the game.
Fluminense:
- John Kennedy: The hero of 2023 is always a threat off the bench with his chaotic energy.
- Renato Augusto: If Ganso needs a rest, Renato brings class and vision to control the final minutes.
Grêmio vs Fluminense — Tactical Outlook
Grêmio:
- Playing Style: Pragmatic Survival. With so many attackers out, Mano Menezes will prioritize a solid defensive block and rely on Soteldo and Pavon for quick transitions. Set-pieces delivered by Reinaldo will be their best route to goal.
- Weakness: Lack of a Finisher. Without Braithwaite or Vinícius, Grêmio lacks a ruthless edge in the box.
Fluminense:
- Playing Style: Zubeldía’s Intensity. Unlike the Diniz era of pure possession, Zubeldía demands verticality and pressing. Jhon Arias is the key, drifting inside to overload the midfield with Ganso.
- Strength: Momentum. Coming off a 6-0 win, their confidence is sky-high. They will look to pin Grêmio back early.
Grêmio vs Fluminense — Key Battles
| Matchup | Battle Type | Edge |
| Reinaldo vs. Jhon Arias | The Danger Zone: Reinaldo struggles defensively against pace. Arias is one of the best wingers in South America. This is Fluminense’s main avenue of attack. | Fluminense |
| Arthur vs. Ganso | Battle of the Brains: Two of the most technical midfielders in Brazil. Arthur needs to deny Ganso time on the ball, or the “Maestro” will pick Grêmio apart. | Tie |
| Walter Kannemann vs. Kauã Elias | Experience vs. Youth: Kannemann is aggressive and physical. Elias is fast and elusive. If Kannemann dives in, Elias will spin him. | Grêmio |
Grêmio vs Fluminense — Spotlight Players
Arthur (Grêmio):
The former Juventus and Barcelona midfielder is back at his boyhood club. With Villasanti out, he is the heartbeat of this team. His ability to retain possession under pressure is vital if Grêmio wants to survive Fluminense’s press.
Kevin Serna (Fluminense):
The Colombian winger has been a revelation (17 shots on goal recently). With Canobbio out, he takes on more responsibility. His direct running and ability to cut inside make him a constant threat.
Grêmio vs Fluminense — Fan Reactions
Grêmio Fans:
“Mano needs to go, but we can’t lose to Flu at home. Soteldo needs to have the game of his life.”
“No Braithwaite, no Vinicius… who is going to score? Arezo better step up.”
Fluminense Fans:
“6-0 against São Paulo was magic! Let’s get the G4 spot and send Grêmio packing.”
“Worried about Thiago Silva missing out, but our attack is flying. Arias is unstoppable right now.”
Grêmio vs Fluminense — Match-Defining Factors
- Grêmio’s Patchwork Defense: Can a backline missing key pieces handle an attack that just scored 6 goals?
- The “Arthur” Factor: If Arthur can control the tempo, he can neutralize Fluminense’s intensity. If he gets overrun, it will be a long night for the hosts.
- Home Crowd: The Arena do Grêmio can be hostile. If Grêmio show fight, the fans will rally. If they concede early, the atmosphere could turn on Mano Menezes.
Grêmio vs Fluminense — Prediction
Score Prediction: Grêmio 1–2 Fluminense
Betting Insights:
- Outcome: Fluminense to Win (Momentum + Grêmio’s injury crisis).
- Both Teams to Score: YES (Grêmio at home usually find a way; Flu’s defense without Thiago Silva is penetrable).
- Anytime Goalscorer: Jhon Arias (In peak form).
Analysis: Grêmio are decimated by injuries and facing a Fluminense side playing their best football of the season. While the home advantage levels the field slightly, the absence of Grêmio’s main goalscorers (Braithwaite/Vinicius) is too big a handicap. Expect Zubeldía’s men to edge a competitive match and seal Mano Menezes’ fate.
Grêmio vs Fluminense — Final Word
This is a clash of trajectories. Fluminense are surging towards the Libertadores with swagger, while Grêmio are limping to the finish line under a cloud of uncertainty. The quality gap, exacerbated by injuries, favors the visitors. It might be close, but the Tricolor das Laranjeiras should have enough firepower to take all three points back to Rio.
Grêmio vs Fluminense — FAQs
When is the Grêmio vs Fluminense match?
The match kicks off on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, at 20:30 Local Time (Wednesday 05:00 IST).
Is Martin Braithwaite playing?
No, Martin Braithwaite is ruled out with an Achilles tendon injury.
Who is the referee?
Raphael Claus (FIFA) will officiate the match.
Where can I watch the match in India?
You can stream the match live on Fanatiz.
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