Victory over Bahia on Sunday (12/07) puts Tricolor into the 2026 group stage
December 4
2025
– 11:51 pm
(Updated at 11:54 p.m.)
Photo: Lucas Merçon / FFC – Caption: Zubeldía can take Tricolor das Laranjeiras straight to the group stage of the Libertadores / Jogada10
Botafogo’s draw against Cruzeiro, on Thursday (04/12), changed the scenario of the final round of the Brazilian League in favor of Fluminense. After all, the result against Mineirão paved the way for Tricolor to secure their direct place in the group stage of the 2026 Copa Libertadores without relying on anyone. Thus, Luis Zubeldia’s team has a clear mission: to beat Bahia, next Sunday (12/07), in the Maracanã, to secure fifth place and exit the preliminary stage.
The math works in Laranjeiras’ favor. Fluminense is in fifth place with 61 points. If they defeat Steel Squadron in the final round, the team will reach 64 points. Botafogo, whose tally stopped at 60 points after stumbling in Belo Horizonte, will be able to reach a maximum of 63 points, even if it beats Fortaleza at Nilton Santos Stadium. In this way, the victory of the tricolor eliminates any chance of overtaking the black and white competitor.
In addition to its victory over Botafogo, this victory prevents Bahia from bothering itself in the final table. Although the Bahian team no longer has a chance in Group E with 53 points, the direct confrontation is still worthy of places and prizes. But for Fluminense, the goal is to escape the “pre-Libertadores”. Going straight into the group stage means avoiding two dangerous qualifying matches at the start of the season, ensuring a calmer schedule and focusing exclusively on preparation.
Therefore, the club is treating Sunday’s match as a real championship final. The Maracanã stadium is expected to be full to push the team towards this year’s main goal. Coach Zubeldia is betting on the good level of Lucho Acosta, who has become the master of the midfield, and on the efficiency of Kevin Serna, who is equal to Cano in terms of scoring participation. Fluminense want to end 2025 with their place secured and start planning for 2026 making sure they are among the continent’s elite.
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