Botafogo and Fluminense have the best record in the Brazilian league in the last ten rounds, winning 18 points, with five wins, three draws and two defeats. Even with unexpected eliminations in continental championships and changes in technical leadership throughout the season, both teams overcame the fluctuations and grew at a crucial moment and are now competing for a direct place in the Libertadores.
The black and white team even secured its third consecutive participation in the competition – an unprecedented event – after beating Gremio 3-2, but is still trying to get out of the preliminary stages. Although it is not convincing on the field, David Ancelotti’s team does not know what it means to lose seven matches in the Brazilian championship, and is in fifth place with 58 points, with only three rounds remaining until the end of the competition.
After the magical season in 2024, with the double of the Brazilian and Libertadores titles, the black and white team felt the farewell of stars such as Luiz Henrique and Igor Jesus and the turbulent environment off the field due to the legal battle between John Textor, the club’s SAF captain, and his partners in Eagle Football Holdings.
Moreover, the search for a coach was delayed with the departure of Artur Jorge at the beginning of the year and the sudden dismissal of Renato Paiva after the exit to Palmeiras in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup. Despite the lack of confidence of a large part of the fans, Davide can end a year of ups and downs with a direct place in the Libertadores.
Fluminense is experiencing its best moments under the leadership of Luis Zubeldia. With the home team’s 100% success – seven wins – the team has recorded two wins and two draws in clashes with the top four teams in the Brazilian league – Flamengo, Palmeiras, Cruzeiro and Mirasol.
In seventh place with 55 points, the trio can qualify for the Libertadores if they draw in the next match, against Sao Paulo, on Thursday (27), at 8:30 pm, at the Maracana Stadium. In addition to his dream of a direct place in the main continental championship, Fluminense can crown the season with the Brazilian Cup title next December.
Before Zubeldia’s arrival, Flo had two other coaches in 2025. After saving the team from relegation in the Brazilian league last year, Mano Menezes left his position shortly after the first round. Renato Gaucho resigned after being eliminated by Lanús-ARG in the quarter-finals of the South American Championship. The pinnacle of his career was an unforgettable run to reach the semi-finals of the Club World Cup.