Fluminense Faces São Paulo in Crucial Libertadores Showdown

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — Fluminense will host São Paulo on Thursday, November 27, at 8:30 p.m. local time in a pivotal match for both teams in the Campeonato Brasileiro. The 36th round encounter is critical for securing spots in the upcoming Copa Libertadores.

Fluminense enters the game at seventh place with 55 points, needing at least a draw to clinch a spot in the 2026 Libertadores. They have shown impressive form, remaining unbeaten in their past four matches, which included victories against Mirassol and Flamengo, along with draws against Cruzeiro and Palmeiras.

The team, led by coach Luis Zubeldía, boasts a strong home record, having won seven consecutive matches at Maracanã. Notably, Zubeldía will face his former club for the first time in this match.

Meanwhile, São Paulo sits in eighth place with 48 points, trailing the Flu by seven points. After recently defeating Juventude 2-1, they aim to keep their Libertadores hopes alive. Coach Hernán Crespo’s squad has faced challenges this season but remains determined.

Fluminense will welcome back key players, including Lucho Acosta and Thiago Silva, who were rested in the previous game. Defender Renê returns after serving a suspension, strengthening their lineup. The expected formation includes Fábio, Samuel Xavier, Thiago Silva, Freytes, and Renê at the back, with a midfield of Martinelli, Hércules, and Lucho Acosta, and Canobbio, Serna, and Everaldo in attack.

São Paulo will make adjustments due to suspensions affecting goalkeeper Rafael and defender Sabino. Young and Rafael Tolói are expected to fill in, while striker Ferreira, recovering from an injury, is included in the traveling team.

The match will be broadcast live on SporTV and Premiere, intensifying the anticipation for this crucial encounter.