The grand final of the Carioca Championship, now in its 125th edition, has arrived. We already know the two finalists, which by the way have been repeated since 2020. What can Flamengo and Fluminense expect from the two games that will take place on April 1 and 9 at the glorious Maracanã Stadium? On Saturday, April 1, the game is scheduled for 8:30 pm and on Sunday, April 9, it will be at 6 pm.
First place in the Guanabara Cup, or group stage and reigning champions, Fluminense won their place in the final after beating Volta Redonda by an aggregate score of 8-2.
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Flamengo, the biggest winners of the Carioca Championship, who came third in the group stage, qualified after beating Vasco 6-3 on aggregate.
Unlike in the semi-finals, there is no advantage based on their group stage campaign. Fluminense will only have home advantage in the second leg, as they won the Guanabara Cup, which was a straight points phase. In the event of draws in the two games or equal results on aggregate, the title will be decided on penalties.
Fla vs Flu has been the classic with the greatest rivalry in Rio de Janeiro in recent years, largely due to the poor form of the other opponents.
What do Flamengo need to win?
Vítor Pereira’s Flamengo, despite winning the decisive derby against Vasco, are not in their best phase, losing important titles recently and leaving their fans apprehensive in decisive games. To beat Fluminense, Flamengo are relying on the technical and individual quality of their players, as they are the reigning champions of America and have the most valuable squad in Brazil. The likes of Pedro and Arrascaeta made the difference in the semi-final against Vasco, but the team’s big star, Gabigol, hasn’t been having the best of times.
Gabigol
The numbers for Flamengo’s number 10 are not the best compared to previous seasons. To be champions, Flamengo will need Gabigol to put in a better performance than in recent games.
What do Fluminense need to win?
Fluminense, on the other hand, have been on an excellent run of form since last year, with their coach Fernando Diniz the main reason for their good performance. Another important player who will be key to the Tricolor’s second title is Argentine striker Germán Cano, the current top scorer in the Rio de Janeiro championship with 14 goals and top scorer in last year’s Brazilian championship. Fluminense also have the experience of midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso and the speed of John Arias. Coach Fernando Diniz is known for his engaging, aggressive and very tactical soccer, so if Fluminense can take advantage of Flamengo’s poor form, they have a great chance of winning the title.
Germán Cano
Fluminense’s big name, Germán Cano, has impressive numbers that have his fans very excited. As Fluminense have only played in the Rio de Janeiro championship so far this year, here are the Argentinian’s figures: 11 games, 14 goals and no assists. An average of 1.2 goals per game, something really impressive for a 35-year-old.
Fluminense Has a Better Chance of Winning
The final between Flamengo and Fluminense will certainly be balanced, which doesn’t mean we’ll have few goals. As there are two matches, the average number of goals is expected to be two or more per game. Motivated by their good form and their coach doing an exceptional job, many believe Fluminense will win 3-2 on aggregate.
Who can also be unbalanced?
Pedro – Flamengo
Flamengo fans are currently putting their faith in their No. 9, Pedro. The striker, who was called up for the last World Cup, has been having a much better 2023 season overall than Gabigol. Pedro’s numbers this season are: 12 games, 13 goals and 3 assists, averaging 1.08 goals per game, making him a key player despite recent failures in competition. Against Vasco in the semi-finals, Pedro netted 3 times, including 2 in the second match.
Paulo Henrique Ganso – Fluminense
One concern Fluminense fans should have is the team’s dependence on their top scorer, Cano. We can see this in the numbers of their number 10, Ganso, with 10 games, 1 goal and no assists. Coach Fernando Diniz has understood the qualities of center forward Cano and therefore his way of playing is based on him. Even so, the fans expect more from Paulo Henrique Ganso, a player with undeniable technique who can deliver much more.
However, these two games will be decided on the details, as usual in derbies. They will be hard-fought matches, with a lot of technical quality, guaranteeing the fans a very high level duel.