Flamengo Intensifies Preparation for Carioca Finals Amid Ticket Rush

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — The Flamengo soccer team is gearing up for the highly anticipated second leg of the Carioca Championship finals against Fluminense this Sunday, March 16. With the first leg ending in a 2-1 victory for Flamengo, expectations are high as over 56,000 tickets have already been sold for the decisive match at Maracanã stadium.

The demand for tickets has been immense, with an anticipated crowd of over 60,000 expected to fill the stadium. Currently, the South Sector, designated for the Fluminense fans, still has tickets available, while the North Sector is reserved exclusively for Flamengo supporters. The East, West, and Maracanã+ sectors are set to host a mixed audience, but no tickets remain in those areas.

Flamengo faces a setback with the absence of star forward Bruno Henrique, who sustained a thigh injury last week. He underwent medical examinations on Monday, March 10, confirming the injury, thus missing practice sessions leading up to the match. Despite his absence, Flamengo aims to secure its 39th Carioca title, a feat within reach after the success of the first match.

The clash is scheduled for 9:30 PM (Brasília time), with broadcast coverage by various networks including Globo and Sportv. Both teams are keen to claim the title, with Flamengo holding the upper hand thanks to their first-leg win.

Amidst the high-stakes atmosphere, passionate fans are getting creative with plans to attend the match. One couple, Patrícia Rosa and Alexandre Fantaguzzi, made headlines after choosing to tie the knot days before the final, incorporating their love for Flamengo into their wedding ceremony. The pair, originally from Cabo Frio, traveled to Rio de Janeiro to marry on the same weekend as the championship match.

‘We came to Barra (da Tijuca) because they wouldn’t let us get married in Cabo Frio wearing Flamengo gear,’ said Rosa, recalling their unconventional wedding plans that included having the Flamengo anthem played during the ceremony and their children in team attire. The couple not only aims to celebrate their union but also hopes to catch the game at Maracanã afterward.

As Flamengo prepares for this crucial matchup, ticket sales will continue until the beginning of the game, although the bulk of available seats have already been filled by enthusiastic supporters ready to cheer for their team’s victory.

The expectation for this Sunday’s encounter is palpable among fans and players alike as they look forward to an exhilarating showdown that adds another chapter to the fierce rivalry between Flamengo and Fluminense.