Botafogo v Cruzeiro at Mineirão: impact on Fluminense’s G-5 hopes | OneFootball

Thursday night will be important for Fluminense. At 7:30 PM, at Mineirão, Botafogo faces Cruzeiro in a match that directly influences the battle for the last direct spot in the group stage of the 2026 Libertadores. The confrontation not only involves the interests of the rival but also sets the scenario that will define what the Tricolor will need to do in the final round, when they face Bahia at Maracanã.

Currently, Fluminense has 61 points, Bahia, who defeated Sport last Wednesday, is right behind with 60 points. Meanwhile, Botafogo has 59, but with one less game, precisely the match against Cruzeiro.

This is the ideal scenario for Fluminense.

If the Alvinegro stumbles in Belo Horizonte, with a draw or loss, the Tricolor will only need to depend on themselves to secure the direct spot.

This means that a victory over Bahia on Sunday mathematically seals the qualification for the group stage.

The scenario creates a direct duel:

In this case, the spot would be decided only between Fluminense and Bahia, at Maracanã. A win or draw, Flu guarantees the qualification, while a victory for Bahia would completely change the panorama, with Bahia securing their place in the Libertadores group stage.

The situation becomes complicated.

The Alvinegro would reach 62 points and would only depend on themselves in the final round, forcing Fluminense not only to beat Bahia but also to hope for a stumble from the rival against Fortaleza, at Nilton Santos.

Why is Wednesday's game so crucial?

Because it defines the size of Fluminense's mission in the final round. A stumble from Botafogo turns the match against Bahia into a decision in the hands of the Tricolor itself. An Alvinegro victory, on the other hand, puts the dispute on a more tortuous path, keeping three clubs alive and forcing Flu to seek parallel results.

The ball rolls at 7:30 PM, at Mineirão, and the tricolor fan will have their eyes on Belo Horizonte, after all, it is from there that the news may come that puts Fluminense in control of their own qualification.

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