Flamengo and Madureira begin the semifinals of Campeonato Carioca 2026 this Sunday night. The first game takes place at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), on Maracanã, broadcast on sportv, Premiere and ge tv. The ge portal maintains real-time coverage with exclusive videos and minute-by-minute updates.
Rubro-Negro arrives under pressure after the defeat in the first game of the Recopa Sul-Americana against Lanús. The setback at Argentina generated criticism of the team’s performance and increased the urgency for a positive reaction. Filipe Luís plans rotation to preserve key pieces before the return of the continental final next Thursday, at the same stadium.
The Madureira appears motivated by the victories in the Copa of the Brasil and in the state. Tricolor Suburbano beat Baré 3-0 and eliminated Boavista in the quarterfinals of Carioca. The suburban team seeks to take advantage of the opponent’s likely mixed team to gain an advantage in the knockout stage and press on in the return, scheduled for March 2nd at 9pm (Brasília time).
Jorginho remains an important absence
Jorginho does not appear on the list of related players released by Flamengo for the clash. The midfielder continues to recover from an injury to his left thigh, detected at the beginning of the month, and is following the medical department’s plans.
Projections confirm absence from the likely lineup. Fontes indicate that the player is not fit to play, prioritizing full recovery with a view to a possible return in Recopa. Ele remains out of the starting lineup and on the bench.
The official lineup has not yet been confirmed by the club. The definition takes place close to the opening whistle, with the possibility of final adjustments depending on the tight schedule.
Probable lineup for Flamengo
Andrew must defend the goal in the starting formation. The defense lines up Emerson Royal, Danilo, Vitão and Ayrton Lucas to make up the line of four.
The midfield has Erick Pulgar, who can give way to Evertton Araújo, forming a trio with Lucas Paquetá and Jorge Carrascal. The attack features Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino and Pedro, with Bruno Henrique as an alternative on the bench.
Absences include Jorginho, undergoing treatment on the left thigh, and Saúl Ñiguez, after surgery on the left heel. Nenhum athlete is ready for the duel.
Preparation and timing of Madureira
Toninho Andrade lines up Madureira with a full cast. The coach repeats the basis that he obtained good results in the last decisive games.
The likely lineup has Neguete in goal, defense with Júlio César, Marcão, Jean Vianna and Matheus Julião. Rodrigo Lindoso, Jacó and João Fubá occupy midfield.
The attack brings together Geovane Maranhão, Juninho and Everton. Fubá is still hanging and needs to avoid a yellow card to avoid missing out in the second leg.
Streaming and ticket details
Maracanã hosts both matches by mutual agreement between the clubs. Ticket sales for the first leg show below-average demand for Flamengo duels at the stadium.
Sportv broadcasts on closed TV and Premiere on pay-per-view. ge tv offers free viewing on YouTube, complemented by in-depth coverage on the ge portal.
Escalated arbitration
Lucas Coelho Santos acts as central referee. Thiago Henrique Neto Corrêa Farinha and Thayse Marques Fonseca help on the sides.
João Marcos Gonçalves Fernandes serves as fourth referee. Paulo Renato Moreira from Silva Coelho manages the VAR at the center.
The arbitration committee is scheduled for Carioca and must strictly apply the rules in an eliminatory game.
Retrospect and expectations of the confrontation
Flamengo dominates the head-to-head record against Madureira. The semi-final format requires caution to avoid surprises.
The match offers Rubro-Negro a chance to adjust pieces and gain morale. Madureira bets on defensive solidity and quick transitions to balance the game.
The duel promises intensity from the start, with the home team pressing and the visitor exploring counterattacks.
