At the Maracanã, Fluminense drew 0-0 with Independiente Rivadavia this Tuesday (11) in the first leg of the Conmebol Libertadores 2026 round of 16.
The match highlighted the Tricolor side’s dreadful form since returning from the World Cup.
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From late July until now, the Rio team has drawn six matches and lost the derby against Vasco, which meant elimination from the Copa do Brasil.
The game against Rivadavia exposed a team that was tactically disorganized and lacking the “Libertadores spirit.”
So much so that Fluminense’s first big chance in the opening half only came in the 41st minute, when Hulk had a chance to pounce on a rebound in the box but shot wide.
Fluminense’s No. 7, in fact, deserves to be “highlighted.” Unfortunately, in a negative way.
Hulk got absolutely everything wrong that he tried and was substituted, amid heavy boos, after blasting a long-range free kick over the bar.
The anger of the Fluminense fans was already evident at halftime, when they yelled insults at former president and current general director Mário Bittencout and the (still) head coach Luis Zubeldía.
Lacking attacking firepower, Fluminense relied on another great night from goalkeeper Fábio, who made big saves, as well as some luck.
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At the start of the second half, Matías Fernández hits the crossbar!
At the final whistle, the Fluminense fans made themselves heard again by chanting loudly and clearly: “Shame, shame, shameless team!”
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With this result, whoever wins next Tuesday (18) at 7pm (Brasília time) at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas will advance to the quarter-finals.
If there is another draw, the spot will be decided on penalties.
Whoever advances will face the winner of Platense vs Coquimbo Unido.
Before that, next Saturday (15), Fluminense host Palmeiras at the Maracanã in the 23rd round of the 2026 Brasileirão.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
