Flamengo round-up: referee named for Fluminense derby as De La Cruz plan set | OneFootball

Flamengo continue preparations for Sunday’s Fluminense derby in the Carioca, with the referee confirmed and a tailored season plan for Nicolás De La Cruz.

De La Cruz sat out the professional side’s 2026 opener, and the club have outlined a programme to maximise his availability across the year. According to GE, Filipe Luís will prioritise using the midfielder in important matches.

The Rio federation named Alex Gomes Stefano to officiate the clássico on Thursday, 22, for the fourth round meeting on Sunday, 25. He is remembered for not awarding a clear penalty to Luiz Araújo in the 2025 Brasileirão against Botafogo.

Flamengo believe his minutes should be distributed more carefully across the calendar.

The team ended 2025 on a high and start 2026 with the core of the squad intact. Filipe Luís notes that, after repetition and adjustments, players have absorbed the playing model, which underpins performances amid the demands of the schedule.

Source: Coluna Do Fla