Does Lucas Moura play today? Where to watch Fluminense x São Paulo at 8:30 pm for the BrasileirãoBy Carolina Costa
7 min read
![]() |
The São Paulo Tricolor fans regret the absence of a key player in the attack for the decisive duel in the Maracanã. Lucas Moura, who has been suffering from recurring injuries to his right knee, was not listed by coach
The game, scheduled for 8:30 pm Brasília time, is part of the 36th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. Ambas teams are fighting for positions that guarantee a place in the 2026 Copa Libertadores. Já o São Paulo, with 48 points in eighth place, depends on a victory to keep the dream alive.
- Departure takes place at Estádio of Maracanã, Rio of Janeiro
- Live broadcast on channels Premiere and SporTV
- Coverage in Tempo Real on ge, with videos of the main moves
- Weather forecast: 24°C with a 30% chance of light drizzle at night
Absence of Lucas Moura worsens crisis in São Paulo
Hernán Crespo faces a real nightmare in the medical department to arm the team. Lucas Moura, the club’s idol and reference in the offensive sector, remains in intensive treatment after the knee procedure. The injury has sidelined him since September, and sources close to the squad indicate that he is only expected to return in February 2026, after a period of complete rehabilitation.
The loss of Moura adds to an extensive list of absences, including suspensions and other muscular injuries. The São Paulo team reaches Rio from Janeiro with the squad missing, which limits Crespo’s tactical options. Ainda thus, the coach bets on a reactive stance, exploring counterattacks with the available players.
- Lucas Moura: right knee injury, out until 2026
- Others absent: Calleri (knee surgery), Luciano (leg pain) and Arboleda (thigh problem)
- Suspended: goalkeeper Rafael and defender Sabino
- Question: Ferreira, with edema on the left thigh, but related
Reinforced Fluminense faces reunion with former coach
Luis Zubeldía, who commanded São Paulo in early 2025 before taking over Fluminense, has reason to smile. The Argentine has important returns after the last round. Thiago Silva, preserved in the draw against Palmeiras because of the synthetic pitch, returns to defense. Renê, suspended in the last game, resumes left back.
The likely lineup for Fluminense reflects the coach’s confidence in the base, which is bearing fruit. The team must line up with Fábio in goal, followed by Samuel Xavier, Thiago Silva, Freytes and Renê in defense. No mid, Martinelli, Hércules and Lucho Acosta dictate the pace, with Serna, Canobbio and Everaldo in attack.
Tricolor from Rio is going through a good moment, undefeated in four games at Brasileirão. The victories over Mirassol and Flamengo, added to the draws with Cruzeiro and Palmeiras, show defensive solidity and efficiency in finishing.
Probable lineups await official confirmation
The teams finalize their preparations, but the final lineups only come out about an hour before kickoff. Para o Fluminense, the positive news includes the possible entry of Ganso on the bench, after recovering from muscle fatigue. No São Paulo, the absence of Lucas Moura forces improvisations in the offensive midfield.
Probable lineup Fluminense (4-3-3): Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Thiago Silva, Freytes, Renê; Martinelli, Hércules, Lucho Acosta; Serna, Canobbio, Everaldo. Técnico: Luis Zubeldía.
Probable lineup São Paulo (4-4-2): Young; Ferraresi, Rafael Tolói, Alan Franco, Patryck; Maik, Pablo Maia, Bobadilla, Marcos Antônio; Rigoni, Tapia. Técnico: Hernán Crespo.
- Hanging on Fluminense: Canobbio, Everaldo, Fábio and Lucho Acosta
- Hanging on São Paulo: Bobadilla and Rodriguinho (the latter injured)
- Referee: Lucas Paulo Torezin (PR), with VAR of Daniel Nobre Bins (RS)
- Auxiliaries: Guilherme Dias Camilo (MG) and Andrey Luiz of Freitas (PR)
History of confrontations points to a tight balance
Fluminense and São Paulo have played 134 official games throughout history, with a slight advantage for Tricolor from São Paulo: 47 wins against 37 from Rio, in addition to 24 draws. No Brasileirão, the record is even more even, with 163 goals from São Paulo and 142 from Fluminense.
In the last five duels, balance prevails. The most recent, in the first round of 2025, ended with São Paulo winning 3-1 at Morumbi, with goals from Luciano, Calleri and Wellington Rato. No Maracanã, however, Fluminense dominates: they won the four most recent home games against their rivals.
- Fluminense 2 x 0 São Paulo (Brasileirão 2024)
- They are Paulo 1 x 1 Fluminense (Brasil Cup 2024)
- Fluminense 1 x 0 São Paulo (Brasileirão 2023)
- They are Paulo 0 x 0 Fluminense (Brasileirão 2023)
- Fluminense 3 x 1 São Paulo (Series A 2023)
Recent team form in the Brasileirão
Fluminense arrives fueled by their undefeated streak, facing direct opponents from the G-4 in the last rounds. The defense, one of the most leaky in the championship at the beginning, turned into a fortress under Zubeldía, with only three goals conceded in the last five games.
São Paulo is wavering, but the 2-1 victory over Juventude in Vila Belmiro injected some spirit. Antes Furthermore, draws and defeats against teams at the top of the table exposed weaknesses, especially in the attack without Lucas Moura and others injured.
Fluminense’s last five games:
- Palmeiras 0 x 0 Fluminense (11/22/2025)
- Fluminense 2 x 1 Flamengo (11/16/2025)
- Cruise 1 x 1 Fluminense (09/11/2025)
- Fluminense 3 x 0 Mirassol (02/11/2025)
- Bahia 1 x 2 Fluminense (10/26/2025)
São Paulo’s last five games:
- They are Paulo 2 x 1 Juventude (11/23/2025)
- Fortaleza 1 x 1 São Paulo (11/16/2025)
- They are Paulo 0 x 2 Botafogo (09/11/2025)
- Atlético-MG 3 x 1 São Paulo (02/11/2025)
- They are Paulo 1 x 0 Vitória (26/10/2025)
Where to watch live and streaming options
Fans looking forward to the game have a variety of options to follow the match. The live broadcast takes place on the paid channels Premiere and SporTV, with narration for the entire Brasil. Para For those who prefer mobility, the Globoplay application offers Premiere on demand, with HD quality and play replay.
ge provides complete coverage on Tempo Real, including live stats, confirmed lineups and exclusive videos of the goals and controversies. No radio, Rádio Globo and CBN broadcast the game with detailed commentary.
- Premiere: pay-per-view for cable and streaming subscribers
- SporTV: sports channel with pre and post-game analysis
- Globoplay: access via app or website, with optional subtitles
- ge: free, with push alerts for real-time goals
Limited tickets at packed Maracanã
The expectation of a full house boosts ticket sales for Maracanã. Setores Norte and Sul sold out within hours, with Fluminense fans guaranteeing massive attendance. Restam places in sectors Leste and Oeste, with prices ranging from R$100 to R$250 at half price for students and seniors.
The total capacity released is around 65 thousand people, but security measures limit access. Bilhetes are available online through the official Fluminense website and physical points at Rio. The historic rivalry guarantees an electrifying atmosphere, even with São Paulo outnumbered.
Top scorers seek prominence in attack
Everaldo commands the Fluminense artillery in the Brasileirão 2025, with 12 goals scored. The striker, partner of Canobbio (9 goals), forms a lethal duo in quick transitions. Serna, with 7 goals, completes the offensive trio that Zubeldía prioritizes.
In São Paulo, the absence of Lucas Moura and Calleri (top scorer with 15 goals, but injured) puts a burden on Tapia, who has 8 goals. Rigoni, with 7, gains space as an alternative, but the team misses the creativity of the number 7. Luciano, in pain, is doubtful and has 10 goals in his account.
Weather conditions favor the spectacle
Rio of Janeiro has mild weather for the departure time. The temperature should be around 24°C at 8:30 pm, with relative humidity of 75% and light winds of 10 km/h. Há low probability of precipitation, just 20%, which keeps the Maracanã lawn in excellent condition.
Weekly maintenance of the field, with mowing and fertilization, guarantees ball speed. Jogadores like Thiago Silva praised the floor in recent training sessions, predicting a fluid game without interruptions due to bad weather.
Curiosities mark the reunion of the tricolors
This is the most played interstate classic for Fluminense, with 134 total editions. São Paulo, in turn, sees the duel as the second most frequent confrontation in its history. Zubeldía, former São Paulo commander, faces the team that fired him after six months, adding extra spice.
The Maracanã witnessed 49 games between them for the Brasileirão, with 27 victories for Rio de Janeiro. Nos last four at home, Flu did not lose, scoring eight goals and conceding just one. The fans hope that the “law of the ex” works in their favor, with Renê and Thiago Silva shining against their former rival.















