Flamengo Faces Internacional in Thrilling Brasileirão Opener Saturday Night

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (March 29, 2025) — Flamengo and Internacional are set to clash in the opening round of the 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro at 9 p.m. (Brasília time) this Saturday at the Maracanã Stadium. The match will be broadcast live on Premiere and SporTV, with real-time updates and highlights available on ge.

Flamengo, who prioritize winning the Brasileirão this year, has already secured two titles in 2025: the Supercopa do Brasil and the Campeonato Carioca. Coach Filipe Luís is dealing with some injury setbacks, but the team’s strong start has heightened expectations for a title run.

“We’re fully committed to claiming another national title,” said Coach Filipe Luís. “This match is crucial for establishing our momentum.”

On the other side, Internacional looks to reclaim the league title for the first time since 1979, when they completed an undefeated season. The team enters the Brasileirão riding the wave of their Gauchão triumph, eager to assert their competitiveness at Maracanã.

“Winning this match would set the tone for our campaign,” stated Internacional’s coach, Roger Machado. “We’re aiming for more this year.”

Flamengo’s squad will see the return of Bruno Henrique, who missed the Carioca final due to injury. However, key players like Arrascaeta and Danilo remain sidelined while Gerson is being evaluated after returning from international duty.

The potential starting lineup for Flamengo includes: Rossi; Wesley, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, Alex Sandro; Pulgar, De la Cruz (Allan), Luiz Araújo; Plata (Matheus Gonçalves), Michael, and Juninho (Bruno Henrique).

In contrast, Internacional is banking on the creativity of Alan Patrick, the state league’s standout player, to drive their offense. He will be supported by experienced players like Vitinho and Wesley, aiming to build on their recent successes.

Internacional may start with: Rochet; Aguirre, Vitão, Juninho, and Bernabei; Fernando, Bruno Henrique, Vitinho; Alan Patrick and Valencia, making for an aggressive front.

Referee Davi de Oliveira Lacerda will oversee this much-anticipated encounter, slated to feature two teams with high aspirations for the current season.