Fluminense aims for reaction in the classic against Botafogo after elimination in the Copa do Brasil

Last Wednesday, Fluminense was defeated by Vasco 3-1, being eliminated in the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. In the Brasileirão, they occupy fourth place with 34 points, but are not going through a good moment. This is because they have been without a win for five games, one defeat and four draws.

Under pressure, coach Luis Zubeldía still needs to think about the Libertadores. Next Tuesday, Fluminense plays the first game of the round of 16 against Independiente Rivadavia, from Argentina, at Maracanã. What is certain is that they will not be able to count on striker John Kennedy, who suffered a knee ligament injury against Vasco and left crying. It ended up vetoed.

Zubeldía stressed that the most important thing at this moment is to win at any cost. "Winning is the only thing to do. It's a bad moment, being left out of the Copa do Brasil and in a classic. But you win by regaining your confidence and memory. These same players had a great level before and can do it again."

Botafogo, who had already been eliminated from the Copa do Brasil, had the week free to prepare. In the last three games, they beat Santos 2-1, drew goalless with Vitória, and beat Cruzeiro 1-0. With that, they reached 29 points and appear in eighth place.

Coach Franclim Carvalho must maintain the base of the team that has been reacting in the Brasileirão. However, a change is certain because midfielder Huguinho is suspended for his third yellow card. With this, Angolan Domingo Andrade, who came from Porto, Portugal, can make his debut. Striker Júnior Santos, recovered from a foot injury, trained normally with the squad and could appear among those listed.

Franclim highlighted the difficulty of the classic and the importance of winning at home. "It's an important and very difficult game. I know the ability of the opponent and their coach. At home, we have to look for points. It's a long road ahead in the Brazilian Championship, but let's just think about Fluminense. It's important that we win."

TECHNICAL SHEET

BOTAFOGO

BOTAFOGO - Walerson; Vitinho, Nahuel Ferraresi, Justino and Alex Telles; Cristian Medina, Domingos Andrade, Danilo and Álvaro Montoro; Matheus Martins and Arthur Cabral. Coach: Franclim Carvalho.

FLUMINENSE - Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Ignacio, Jemmes and Renê; Martinelli, Hercules and Nonato; Kevin Serna, Hulk and Canobbio. Coach: Luis Zubeldía.

REFEREE - Bruno Arleu de Araújo (RJ).

TIME - 9pm.

LOCATION - Nilton Santos Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).