Fluminense Faces Crucial Libertadores Showdown

Fluminense is set for a decisive night in the Copa Libertadores as they host Deportivo La Guaira at the Maracanã. This final group stage match is crucial for their progression.

Group C sees Independiente Rivadavia already qualified in first place with 13 points. Fluminense and Bolívar are tied with five points each, with Fluminense needing a better result than Bolívar to advance to the round of 16 due to a head-to-head disadvantage.

Manager Zubeldía will feature his regular center-back pairing, with Ignácio out due to a fractured metacarpal. Martinelli makes a swift return from a thigh injury, while Guga and Savarino are back after being rested. Alisson continues his recovery from a calf issue, and Ganso is absent as he negotiates a club transfer.

Deportivo La Guaira, despite remaining winless in the Libertadores, is performing well domestically, topping their Apertura qualifying phase and their current group. They must win at the Maracanã and hope for a Bolívar loss to have a chance at advancing.