Carioca 2026: Flamengo chase qualification, fight relegation | OneFootball

After Defeat to Volta Redonda, Flamengo Fans Have Doubts About the Regulations

“Flamengo can shrug off the Carioca, just can't get relegated.” This was the thought of a good part of the Flamengo fans after the 3-0 defeat to Volta Redonda on Saturday (17), in the second round of the State Championship. However, many Flamengo supporters are not aware of the regulations. Despite the poor campaign, Mengão still has good chances of qualifying but needs to be attentive in the fight against relegation.

Currently, Flamengo occupies the fifth position in Group B of the Carioca. It could become the last place this Sunday (18) if Maricá scores against Portuguesa at the Luso-Brasileiro Stadium. It is worth noting that Mengão will end the day with three matches played, as it had its fifth-round match brought forward, unlike the other opponents, who will finish with two.

WHAT ARE THE REGULATIONS OF THE CARIOCA CHAMPIONSHIP?

The top four from each group advance to the quarter-finals. Today, Flamengo is two points behind the third and fourth, Madureira and Boavista. Therefore, qualification for the knockout stage is still within reach for the Rubro-Negro.

On the other hand, the risk of relegation exists, but it is minimal. The fifth and sixth placed teams from both groups will participate in a round-robin, home-and-away system. Only the last place will be relegated to the second division of the Carioca Championship.

IS THE CAMPAIGN OF THE YOUNGSTERS IN THE CARIOCA A WARNING FOR FLAMENGO?

With a draw against Portuguesa and defeats to Bangu and Volta Redonda, Flamengo has raised the alert in the Carioca. Previously, the plan was to use the under-20 team even in the classics against Vasco and Fluminense in the next two rounds. Now, the Rubro-Negro is considering fielding some starters to improve their standings in the competition.

Therefore, the coming days will be decisive for Flamengo's path in the Carioca. On Wednesday (21), the Most Beloved faces Vasco at Maracanã, but there is still no decision on who will take the field. The match kicks off at 9:30 PM (Brasília time).

HOW IS FLAMENGO'S GROUP IN THE CARIOCA TODAY?

Nova Iguaçu, Botafogo, Madureira, and Boavista – 3 points (the first two have one game, and the other two have two matches) Flamengo – 1 (3 games) Maricá – 0 (1 game)

WHAT GAMES ARE LEFT FOR FLAMENGO IN THE FIRST PHASE OF THE CARIOCA?

Vasco – January 21 Fluminense – January 25 Sampaio Correia – February 7

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