Fluminense v Botafogo: Zubeldía debuts in derby, line-ups and info | OneFootball

Fluminense has a special Sunday ahead. The Tricolor faces Botafogo at 4pm at Maracanã, for the 25th round of the Brazilian Championship. The classic marks the debut of Luis Zubeldía as the team’s coach, just two days after being officially announced.

In addition, the match brings an important mission: Flu is looking to break an uncomfortable streak of eight consecutive defeats to their rival.

Zubeldía’s Debut

Hired to replace Renato Gaúcho, the Argentine Luis Zubeldía has already led two training sessions at CT Carlos Castilho and will make his first appearance in charge of the Tricolor. Known for his intense style, he will have little time to adjust the team, but arrives surrounded by high expectations from the fans.

A Streak to Break

Botafogo has had the upper hand in recent classics. There have been eight straight wins over Fluminense, a streak the Tricolor hopes to end this Sunday. Flu’s last victory over their rival was in June 2022, also in the Brasileirão.

Standings

The classic is a direct clash in the fight for spots at the top of the table. Fluminense is in 8th place, with 31 points, and is trying to get closer to the Libertadores qualification zone. Botafogo, meanwhile, is 5th, with 40 points, looking to consolidate their position among the top teams.

Probable Fluminense Lineup

The team is expected to take the field with:

Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Thiago Silva, Freytes and Renê; Martinelli, Hércules and Lucho Acosta; Serna, Canobbio and Cano.

Match Info

Fluminense vs Botafogo

Maracanã – Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

Sunday, 09/28/2025 – 4pm

Broadcast: Globo and Premiere

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