Maracanã massacre: Fortaleza unravel as Flamengo flex muscles | OneFootball

Flamengo 5–0 Fortaleza EC: Flamengo Assertive at Maracanã as Fortaleza's Struggles Continue

Match Overview

Flamengo delivered a comprehensive 5–0 result against Fortaleza EC at Maracanã in the eleventh round of the 2025 Brasileirão Serie A. The match saw Flamengo assert control from start to finish, with a clear disparity in both possession and attacking intent.

Key Events and Match Data

Filipe Luís kept faith in Flamengo’s preferred 4-2-3-1, which allowed them to dominate the pace. Flamengo finished with 65% possession and 13 shots on target, compared to Fortaleza EC’s 3. The hosts completed 563 passes at 91% accuracy, nearly double Fortaleza’s output. The expected goals (xG) metric reflected the one-sided nature: Flamengo 2.43, Fortaleza 0.38.

Giorgian De Arrascaeta—who has reached 300 matches for Flamengo and holds the assist record in the Brasileirão’s points era—opened the scoring after half an hour, set up by Léo Ortiz. Evertton Araujo added the second right after halftime with help from Guillermo Varela. Luiz Araújo scored twice, first in the 56th minute from an Arrascaeta pass, then wrapping up the result at 74' off Pedro’s assist. Michael also found the net with the fourth, again from Varela’s delivery.

João Ricardo did what he could in goal for Fortaleza, making eight saves, but the visitors’ defensive issues were on display throughout.

Tactical and Squad Context

Flamengo’s depth was evident, with players like Michael, Pedro and Erick Pulgar available off the bench. The January arrivals of Danilo and Juninho have added to the squad’s experience, even as the club adjusted to the departures of Gabriel Barbosa and Fabrício Bruno earlier in the year. Allan recently returned from injury but is still regaining full fitness. Pulgar and Matías Viña also rejoined the matchday squad after spells out. Gerson played despite ongoing knee discomfort. Gonzalo Plata remains sidelined.

Arrascaeta’s contract situation looms in the background—his current deal runs until December 2026, and the club is expected to address his renewal after the Super Club World Cup in the United States next month. Flamengo’s focus now is on extending contracts for players with shorter agreements, such as Varela, Rossi and Pedro.

Fortaleza EC: Instability and Squad Turnover

Fortaleza, under Juan Vojvoda, have undergone significant changes in 2025, bringing in experienced figures like David Luiz, Deyverson and Gastón Ávila while losing key players including Hércules and B. Ceballos. The side’s current 4-3-3 offers little stability; this was their third consecutive defeat in Serie A, with 10 goals conceded and none scored over that stretch.

Internal pressure has mounted after six matches without a win across competitions. The squad has felt the absence of Moisés through injury—out for at least another month—and Rossetto returned to the medical department. Tensions have surfaced as Vojvoda declined to give a post-match press conference after a recent loss, and senior players were summoned for meetings with club management. Despite the run, the coach retains the backing of the board.

Fortaleza’s Copa Libertadores campaign provides a slight reprieve, with the club having reached the round of 16, but domestic form remains a major area of concern. On the pitch, the attack generated 11 total shots at Maracanã but rarely threatened to change the pattern established early by the hosts.

Off-Field Notes

Flamengo supporters produced a celebratory atmosphere, including a mosaic tribute to the 1981 Intercontinental Cup champions. Players such as Michael have spoken about the squad’s desire to leave a mark at the upcoming Club World Cup. The next league fixtures pose new tests: Flamengo visit Sport Recife, while Fortaleza, just above the relegation zone, host Santos as they search for stability.

The transfer window approaches, and both teams may look for further moves. Flamengo’s stated goal is to maintain their core, with any Arrascaeta negotiations deferred until after their international campaign. Fortaleza, meanwhile, may seek reinforcements as they attempt to reverse their recent slide.