Fluminense face tough path to Libertadores, direct clashes ahead | OneFootball

Fluminense’s quest for a direct spot in the group stage of the 2026 Conmebol Libertadores has become a complex task after their 2-1 defeat to Mirassol last Wednesday. As a result, the Rio club now needs an almost perfect performance in the 12 remaining rounds of the Brazilian Championship, requiring a 75% point yield to reach the historically necessary total to finish among the top four.

Currently with 38 points, Fluminense needs to add 27 more to reach the average of 65 points, a mark that usually secures fourth place in the 20-team Brasileirão. To achieve this, the team led by Zubeldía would need nine wins in the 12 remaining matches. In a more demanding scenario, such as in 2014 when the cutoff was 69 points, the team would need a campaign with 10 wins and one draw. The most optimistic goal would be to repeat 2021, when 58 points were enough for fourth place.

The challenge is amplified by Fluminense’s recent record against teams at the top of the table. The team has had a poor performance in direct clashes, recording five losses, one draw, and only one win in seven matches. The upcoming schedule includes matches against five of the top six teams, including a rematch against Mirassol at Maracanã, who have consolidated their position in the G-4 and opened an eight-point lead over Fluminense.

There are, however, alternative paths for Fluminense to secure their place in the continent’s main competition:

Thus, the scenario for Fluminense in the final stretch of the season is one of double urgency. At the same time, their performance in the Copa do Brasil presents a parallel path that could not only secure a Libertadores spot, but also relieve pressure on their campaign and crown the season with a title.

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