Player's view: Samuel Xavier backs Fluminense for Libertadores bow

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Saudações Tricolores.com

·7 April 2026

Player's view: Samuel Xavier backs Fluminense for Libertadores bow

Fluminense begin their Conmebol Libertadores campaign this Tuesday (7), away from home, looking to repeat the leading role they played in the competition in 2023. After a strong start in the Brazilian Championship, the team heads into its opener with momentum and is relying on the strength of the squad to start with a positive result.

In official material released by the club, right-back Samuel Xavier spoke about the expectations for the first match in the continental competition and highlighted the group’s level of preparation.

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“It’s a very good feeling for a debut, that little nervous excitement in your stomach. It’s a very important competition, one in which we were very happy in 2023, and we have very high expectations for 2026. Without a doubt it will be a very difficult game, away from home, but our team is very well prepared, very in sync. We know how difficult these matches are, but it’s up to us to put in a great performance.”

The player’s remarks reflect the squad’s current moment, as it heads into the Libertadores with a solid foundation and high confidence after its recent results. The expectation is for a competitive Fluminense side even away from the Maracanã, relying on organization and the group’s experience.

The opener marks the beginning of another attempt by Tricolor to establish itself among the continent’s top clubs, now under the command of Luis Zubeldía, who is seeking to win his first Libertadores with his playing identity implemented in the squad.

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