Athletico Paranaense v Flu: top-four rivals meet in the Brasileirão | OneFootball

Athletico Paranaense host Fluminense in the Brasileirão on Sunday, 30 August 2026, at Estádio Mário Celso Petraglia in Curitiba, with third facing fourth and Copa Libertadores places on the line.

Athletico Paranaense hold a three-point edge over Fluminense, and the reverse fixture in March finished 3-2 to the visitors, underlining how little separates the sides.

Athletico-PR arrive with three wins from their last five league games, including a 3-2 victory at Botafogo, and have conceded only seven at home this season. Flu have momentum too after back-to-back league wins, including 3-2 against Palmeiras, and also won a Libertadores tie on penalties following a draw with Independiente Rivadavia.

Team news could shape the balance. The hosts are without defensive absentees Gilberto, Lucas Esquivel, Léo Derik and Claudinho, plus forward Renan Viana. For Flu, Hércules is suspended, while Igor Rabello, Juan Freytes and leading league scorer John Kennedy are injured.

Furacão may lean on Kevin Viveros, the league's top scorer with 16 goals, with delivery from Gaston Americo Benavidez, who has five assists. Tricolor Carioca tend to control the ball, averaging 60% possession with 88.24% passing accuracy, and pose an aerial threat with 11 headed goals. Their 23.71% cross accuracy from open play could test a back line that has been stingy at home.

A win would take Athletico-PR to 47 points and could cut the gap to leaders Palmeiras while tightening their grip on the top four. Victory would lift Flu to 44 points, drawing them level with the hosts and keeping them firmly in the Libertadores places.