Carioca 2026: Flamengo chase top spots, fight relegation | OneFootball

After Defeat to Volta Redonda, Flamengo Fans Are Uncertain About the Regulations

“Flamengo can shrug off the Carioca, but it cannot be relegated.” This was the sentiment of a large part of the Flamengo supporters after the 3-0 defeat to Volta Redonda on Saturday (17), in the second round of the State Championship. However, many Flamengo fans are not aware of the regulations. Despite the poor campaign, Mengão still has good chances of qualifying but needs to be cautious in the fight against relegation.

Currently, Flamengo is in fifth place in Group B of the Carioca. It could become the last place this Sunday (18) if Maricá scores against Portuguesa at the Luso-Brasileiro Stadium. It is worth noting that Mengão will end the day with three matches played, as it had its fifth-round match brought forward, unlike the other opponents, who will finish with two.

WHAT ARE THE REGULATIONS OF THE CARIOCA CHAMPIONSHIP?

The top four teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals. Today, Flamengo is two points behind the third and fourth places, Madureira and Boavista. Therefore, qualification for the knockout stage is still accessible for the Rubro-Negro.

On the other hand, the risk of relegation exists, but it is minimal. The fifth and sixth places from both groups will participate in a round-robin tournament, with home and away matches. Only the last place will be relegated to the second division of the Carioca Championship.

IS THE PERFORMANCE OF THE YOUNG PLAYERS IN THE CARIOCA A WARNING FOR FLAMENGO?

With a draw against Portuguesa and defeats to Bangu and Volta Redonda, Flamengo has raised the alarm in the Carioca. Previously, the plan was to use the under-20 team even in the classics against Vasco and Fluminense in the next two rounds, but now the Rubro-Negro is considering fielding some starters to improve the team's standing in the competition.

Therefore, the coming days will be decisive for Flamengo's path in the Carioca. On Wednesday (21), the Most Beloved faces Vasco at Maracanã, but there is still no decision on who will play. The match kicks off at 9:30 PM (Brasília time).

HOW IS FLAMENGO'S GROUP IN THE CARIOCA TODAY?

Nova Iguaçu, Botafogo, Madureira, and Boavista – 3 points (the first two have one game, and the other two have two matches) Flamengo – 1 (3 games) Maricá – 0 (1 game)

WHAT GAMES ARE LEFT FOR FLAMENGO IN THE FIRST PHASE OF THE CARIOCA?

Vasco – January 21 Fluminense – January 25 Sampaio Correia – February 7

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.