Flamengo to use U20s in derbies, first-team boosts possible | OneFootball

Flamengo lost to Volta Redonda 3-0 in the second round of the Campeonato Carioca

Flamengo is in a complicated situation in the Carioca. Planning to use only the under-20 team until the fifth round, the Rubro-Negro lost another game, now 3-0 to Volta Redonda, and has only 1 point in three matches played so far. However, the management does not intend to change the plan.

Since the start of the season, the idea of the Flamengo football department is to have the main team debut, with Filipe Luís, only on January 28th. On this date, Fla faces São Paulo, in the debut of the Brasileirão. Before that, however, the team has two other important matches: the classics against Vasco and Fluminense, in the Carioca.

Initially, the management's idea was to keep only the under-20 team in these rounds of the Carioca. However, given the poor result and performance in the game against Volta Redonda, the plan will be discussed again. Therefore, there is a chance that some players from the main team will be integrated into the state team. The decision, however, will also depend on the physical and medical analysis of the athletes.

It is worth noting that even if players from the main team are integrated into the Carioca team, Filipe Luís will remain focused on preparing for the debut in the Brasileirão. Thus, coach Bruno Pivetti, of the under-20, will remain in charge of the team in the classics against Vasco and Fluminense.

What prevents Flamengo from playing with the main team against Vasco?

The Rubro-Negro's calendar for 2026 is full. This is because the Most Beloved needs to reconcile the state championship with the debut in the Brasileirão and the Supercopa Rei. Therefore, Fla's plan is still to maintain the base in the next two matches of the Carioca.

Thus, the Garotos do Ninho do Urubu are expected to face Fluminense on Sunday (25), as well as Vasco. In other words, two classics with the under-20 while the top group prepares for the Brasileirão and the Supercopa.

So, if those responsible understand that the main athletes are able to reconcile the matches, the schedule may change. However, the priority for facing Vasco and Fluminense is still with the lower category.

How is the Carioca standings?

Still without a win, Mengão has only one point in three matches played. Therefore, Fla is in fifth place in Group B, where the leader is Nova Iguaçu with three points, the same amount as Botafogo.

What is Flamengo's next match?

Given the result, the Most Beloved faces Vasco on Wednesday (21) starting at 9:30 PM (Brasília time). The classic takes place at Maracanã, the first home game for the Rubro-Negro.

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