Zubeldía’s Fluminense show tactical strength, eye 2026 success | OneFootball

The victory of Fluminense over Botafogo, by 1 to 0 this Sunday (02/01), in the 5th round of the Campeonato Carioca, at Engenhão, might seem like just another result in a classic, but it represents much more. The standout was not an individual player, but rather the growing consolidation of a team that is shaping up to be the great weapon of the Tricolor for the 2026 season. The tactical pattern implemented by Luis Zubeldía, the coach, is the key to this solidity.

Since taking over Fluminense in September 2025, Zubeldía has shown remarkable adaptability. The Argentine coach, known for his studious profile, has varied names in his lineups but manages, in a way, to present solid game patterns in all sectors of the field. Even though we went through the first game of the season without conceding goals – the defensive aerial ball still needs improvement – Flu manages to impose a game rhythm of control, passes, and not taking many risks. Some say that the Carioca is not a basis for anything. However, the solid start to the season, as Flu has been doing, shows that the team starts the year organized and in constant evolution, even with changes in lineups, the game scheme is the main point of the team.

Evidently, when we enter with a formation where our main creative names (like Acosta, Ganso, and now even Savarino) are not present, the team misses the final pass to put the forwards in scoring conditions. But, even so, the team manages to create and finish a lot – yesterday, there were 15 shots, seven on target, many of them even before the substitutions that brought Acosta and Savarino into the game. What stands out in all configurations used by Zubeldía are very well-defined characteristics:

Defensive Consistency: Zubeldía's Fluminense proves to be a team difficult to breach. There is an organization that ensures the protection of the goal, with well-positioned lines and compactness that hinders the opponent's progression. Even when facing opponents with offensive formations, the Tricolor's defense remains solid. As mentioned above, the weak point is the defensive aerial ball, which is already showing improvement and deserves attention in training.

Occupation and Combativeness in Midfield: The central sector of the field is a critical point for the coach. There, the team demonstrates an impressive ability to occupy spaces, closing passing lines and the opponent's construction options. Combativeness is a trademark, with midfielders committing to marking and fighting for every ball, ensuring possession and transition. Moreover, Flu manages to make an intelligent marking when pressing the opponent in their own defense. The well-positioned team forces the exit with a “long ball” and is always alert to the second ball. This is when they don't recover near the final third and seek a quick finish.

Attack with Lots of Movement and Quick Transitions: In the final third of the field, Zubeldía's Fluminense displays fluidity with great agility. The wings are constantly activated, seeking depth and dribbling. Additionally, there is a continuous and intelligent presence of midfielders and full-backs supporting the attack, creating numerical superiority and multiple passing and finishing options. This constant movement confuses opposing defenses and opens gaps for creating opportunities. The quick transition in counterattacks is another strong point of this team. We have already seen some plays that ended in goals, with fast players who, with a few touches, are inside the opponent's area to conclude.

Despite Zubeldía and the Tricolor board advocating caution in the market, seeking surgical reinforcements like a center forward, the focus is also on refining the current squad and assimilating his philosophy. This shows that the coach prefers to work with what he has rather than “dreaming” of someone who hasn't arrived yet.

This ability to maintain tactical consistency and competitiveness even with formation variations and the gradual return of important players makes Luis Zubeldía's Fluminense an extremely dangerous team for 2026. The Argentine's work is paving the way for a season of great expectations and, if the collective continues at this level, the Tricolor has everything to fight for titles. The great asset is undoubtedly the tactical pattern that is established with each match, making Fluminense an opponent to be beaten.

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