Preview: Botafogo’s bold lineup for the Maracanã clásico
The stage is set for a high-stakes clash as Botafogo, under coach Davide Ancelotti, faces Fluminense at the Maracanã this Sunday. The match, part of the Brasileirão’s 25th round, features a surprising tactical twist: Cuiabano and Chris Ramos take on roles in the attack, while Gabriel Bahia makes his competitive debut in central defense alongside David Ricardo. Arthur Cabral starts on the bench, hinting at a more fluid and evolving attacking approach from the Glorioso.
Botafogo starting XI and key changes
Coach Ancelotti sends out Léo Linck in goal, with a defensive line of Vitinho, Gabriel Bahia, David Ricardo, and Marçal. In midfield, Newton anchors the group with Marlon Freitas and Savarino ahead of him. The forward line features Santi Rodríguez on the left, Chris Ramos in the middle, and Cuiabano at the right. This setup signals a shift from the usual configuration, leveraging Cuiabano’s pace and Ramos’ movement to stretch Fluminense’s defense while Santi Rodríguez provides creativity from the flank and link-up play with the two new attackers.
Substitutes and depth
On the substitutes bench, Botafogo has Raul, Cristhian Loor, Justino, Mateo Ponte, Allan, Cauã Zappelini, Artur, Matheus Martins, Jeffinho, Kadir and Mastriani. The depth options give Ancelotti flexibility to chase different game situations, whether he needs to protect a lead, push for a late winner, or rotate players across a demanding schedule.
Injury and suspension snapshot
There are ten absences in total ahead of the weekend kickoff: Neto, Bastos, Alex Telles, Danilo, Nathan Fernandes and Joaquín Correa (sick/injury list); Alexander Barboza and Kaio Pantaleão (suspended); Montoro and Barrera (Copa do Mundo Sub-20 commitments). The squad is therefore forced to improvise, with a debut in defense and a revamped frontline designed to surprise Fluminense’s backline.
Fluminense’s answer under debutant coach Luis Zubeldía
Fluminense lines up with Fábio in goal, a back four of Samuel Xavier, Thiago Silva, Freytes, and Renê. In midfield, Martinelli, Hércules, and Lucho Acosta pull the strings, while Serna, Cano, and Canobbio supply the attacking thrust. The visitors arrive with a tested spine and a mix of experience and youth, aiming to disrupt Botafogo’s experimental approach and exploit any vulnerabilities in the home side’s defense.
Key matchups to watch
Look closely at the duel between Botafogo’s newly formed central defensive pairing and Fluminense’s experienced attacking trio. The midfield battle in Newton, Marlon Freitas, and Savarino will be crucial in generating transition plays that can unlock the visitors’ compact shape. Cuiabano and Chris Ramos’ movement off the ball will test Fluminense’s defensive organization, while Santi Rodríguez’s creativity could pull defenders out of position for late runs from the wings.
<h2 What this game means for the Brasileirão campaign
Winning at the Maracanã would be a significant statement for Botafogo, both in terms of confidence for the emerging lineup and in the season-long race for continental qualification. For Fluminense, securing a positive result against a resurgent rival would reinforce Luis Zubeldía’s early work and provide momentum as crucial fixtures accumulate later in the campaign. The clash also highlights the strategic depth both teams can rely on as injuries and suspensions reshape squad plans mid-season.
<h2 Final thoughts
As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on how Ancelotti’s experiment in defense and attack translates on the pitch. Will Gabriel Bahia’s debut partnership with David Ricardo stabilize the backline, or will Fluminense exploit the retooled Botafogo frontline? The answer will unfold this Sunday in Rio de Janeiro, with a competitive Brasileirão clash that promises to entertain and intrigue in equal measure.
