Reigning champions Flamengo will face their fierce rivals Fluminense in the second leg of the Copa do Brasil Round of 16 at the Maracana on Friday (June 2). The initial encounter between the two teams at the Maracana two weeks ago resulted in a goalless draw. Fluminense’s midfielder, Felipe Melo, received a red card in the 52nd minute and will be unavailable for this match due to suspension.
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Since the first leg, Flamengo has remained undefeated in three games, securing one victory. In their most recent Brazilian Serie A match, they played to a 1-1 draw against Cruzeiro, with Ayrton scoring the equalising goal in the second half.
On the other hand, Fluminense has experienced three consecutive defeats in the matches following the first leg, failing to find the back of the net. It’s worth noting that all three of these matches were played away from home.
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Flamengo vs Fluminense match preview
The outcome of the Copa do Brasil last-16 tie between Flamengo and Fluminense hangs in the balance as the Rio de Janeiro rivals prepare to face each other again at the Maracana. In the first leg, the two teams played to a goalless draw two weeks ago, leaving Fluminense with a chance to eliminate the defending champions.
Flamengo secured their place in the last 16 with an impressive 8-2 victory over Maringa, featuring a stellar performance from Brazilian international Pedro, who scored four goals in the lopsided match against the lower-league underdogs.
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Since then, under the guidance of coach Jorge Sampaoli, Flamengo has recorded three wins and three draws in various competitions, resulting in a six-game unbeaten streak heading into the second leg.
With a strong home record of winning seven out of their previous nine matches and suffering only one defeat, Flamengo will approach the game against Fluminense with confidence, aiming to progress further and defend their Copa do Brasil title.
Fluminense, on the other hand, can consider themselves fortunate to have held Flamengo to a goalless draw in the first leg. It is also worth noting that Fluminense has struggled to score in their last four matches across all competitions, managing just 10 shots on target during that period.
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Fluminense has reached three Copa do Brasil finals in the past. They lost in 1992 and 2005 before winning in 2007. Flamengo has won four and lost four finals, including their victory in the previous season, defeating Corinthians via penalties.
Flamengo possible starting lineup:
Cunha; Franca, Bruno, Pereira, Ayrton; Maia, Pulgar, Gerson; Franca; Barbosa, Pedro
Fluminense possible starting lineup:
Fabio; Xavier, Nino, Manoel, Guga; Andre, Martinelli; Lima, Ganso, Arias; Cano
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Flamengo vs Fluminense prediction
Flamengo boasts an impressive home record at the Maracana, with just one loss in nine games. They have emerged victorious in seven matches and maintained five clean sheets. Facing Fluminense in the past, Flamengo has only suffered a single loss in five encounters.
Meanwhile, Fluminense has struggled in their recent away games, suffering four defeats in five outings. They have also been unable to score in their previous three away matches. However, it is important to note that Fluminense has only been beaten once at the Maracana this season.
Considering both teams’ current form, Flamengo are expected to win and possibly maintain a clean sheet as well.
Prediction: Flamengo 2-0 Fluminense
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Date, kick-off time, venue
Flamengo will face Fluminense in their Copa do Brasil match on June 1 at the Estadio Jornalista Mario Filho in Rio de Janeiro, at 4:30 am (IST).
