Lineups set for the Sunday Maracanã derby
Botafogo, under the direction of coach Davide Ancelotti, faces Fluminense in a high-stakes Brasileirão clash at the Maracanã. The Glorioso unleash a notable rotation and a strategic tweak, including a debut in defense for Gabriel Bahia and an attacking trident built around Cuiabano and Chris Ramos. Arthur Cabral is left on the bench as the starting XI is announced: Léo Linck in goal; a back four of Vitinho, Gabriel Bahia, David Ricardo and Marçal; a midfield trio of Newton, Marlon Freitas and Savarino; and a forward line of Santi Rodríguez, Chris Ramos and Cuiabano.
On the bench, Ancelotti has several attacking and midfield options: Raul, Cristhian Loor, Justino, Mateo Ponte, Allan, Cauã Zappelini, Artur, Matheus Martins, Jeffinho, Kadir and Mastriani.
There are ten absences for Botafogo, including Neto, Bastos, Alex Telles, Danilo, Nathan Fernandes and Joaquín Correa (injured); Alexander Barboza and Kaio Pantaleão (suspended); and <strongMontoro and Barrera due to the U-20 World Cup commitments.
Fluminense’s lineup under Luis Zubeldía
Fluminense, meanwhile, also confirm a new era with debutant coach Luis Zubeldía. The XI chosen by the Argentine manager features Fábio in goal; a back four of Samuel Xavier, Thiago Silva, Freytes and Renê; a midfield trio of Martinelli, Hércules and Lucho Acosta; and a front line stacked with threat in Serna, Cano and Canobbio.
The setting signals a tactical contest between a fresh defensive look for Botafogo and Fluminense’s familiar firepower up front. Zubeldía’s decision to rely on a balanced midfield could press Botafogo’s back line, while the Flu aim to exploit space behind the advancing full-backs and the center-forward duo.
What to watch: key tactical points and matchups
One of the central stories is Gabriel Bahia stepping into a central defensive partnership with David Ricardo. The pairing will be tested by Fluminense’s trio of attackers, especially Cano’s movement and Canobbio’s pace. Cuiabano and Chris Ramos in attack bring directness and dynamism, offering Ancelotti a different axis than the traditional center-forward role. Santi Rodríguez’s creativity will be crucial in unlocking compact lines and feeding the new strike partners.
Fluminense’s engine room—Martinelli, Hércules and Lucho Acosta—will look to control tempo and find pockets between Botafogo’s midfield and defense. The duel between Savarino and Renê on the wings could decide how much service the forwards receive, while Botafogo will rely on Newton and Marlon Freitas to shuttle the ball quickly to initiate breaks or sustain possession in the Flu half.
Why this derby matters
As the 25th round of the Brasileirão approaches, a win could elevate either side in the standings and provide a confidence boost for coaches seeking to implement new ideas. For Botafogo, the bold attacking shift and the defensive debut of a trusted defender signal a readiness to adapt under pressure. For Fluminense, Zubeldía’s first XI will be watched for cohesion and whether the team can translate possession into meaningful chances against a rival intent on a strategic upset.
Kickoff and implications
The match is scheduled for Sunday at 16:00 local time at the Maracanã. Both teams will be looking to seize momentum in the Brasileirão, with this derby serving as a critical barometer of form, depth, and tactical flexibility as the season progresses.
