Flamengo and Madureira will play this Sunday in the first leg of the semifinal of the Campeonato Carioca 2026. The match will take place at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), on Maracanã, broadcast on sportv, Premiere and ge tv. The ge portal offers real-time coverage with exclusive videos and constant updates.
Rubro-Negro is looking to recover after the defeat in the first game of the Recopa Sul-Americana against Lanús. The negative result in Argentina intensified criticism of the team’s performance. Filipe Luís needs a good performance to boost the group’s confidence before the second leg of the continental competition, scheduled for next Thursday at the same stadium.
Madureira arrives motivated by recent victories in Copa of Brasil and in the state. Tricolor Suburbano defeated Baré 3-0 and eliminated Boavista in the quarterfinals of Carioca. The suburban team intends to explore the possible red-black rotation to gain an advantage in the knockout stage and complicate the opponent’s life in the return match, scheduled for March 2nd at 9pm (Brasília time).
Pedro waiting to take the field
Pedro appears on the related list released by Flamengo for the confrontation. The center forward trained with the squad during the week and remains at the disposal of coach Filipe Luís.
The trend points to the attacker being a starter in the likely lineup. Diversas sources indicate Pedro in command of the attack, alongside Gonzalo Plata and Samuel Lino. The player must start the match, although there is mention of Bruno Henrique as an alternative on the bench.
The official lineup has not yet been confirmed by the club. The definition occurs close to the departure time, with the possibility of last-minute adjustments to manage accumulated wear.
Probable lineup for Flamengo
Andrew should occupy the goal in the starting lineup. The defensive line has Emerson Royal, Danilo, Vitão and Ayrton Lucas to make up the defense and sides.
The midfield features Erick Pulgar, which can be replaced by Evertton Araújo, alongside Lucas Paquetá and Jorge Carrascal. In the offensive sector, Plata, Samuel Lino and Pedro form the front trio, with Bruno Henrique ready for substitutions.
Confirmed absences include Jorginho, recovering from an injury to his left thigh, and Saúl Ñiguez, after surgery on his left heel. Nenhum athlete is ready for the duel.
Madureira preparation for the challenge
Toninho Andrade commands Madureira with a full cast. The coach must repeat the basis that won Baré in Copa of Brasil, prioritizing maximum strength in the state.
The likely lineup has Neguete in goal, defense with Júlio César, Marcão, Jean Vianna and Matheus Julião. Rodrigo Lindoso, Jacó and João Fubá play in midfield.
The attack lines up Geovane Maranhão, Juninho and Everton. Fubá remains suspended and is at risk of automatic embezzlement if he receives a yellow card.
Streaming and ticket details
Maracanã receives both games by agreement between Flamengo and Madureira. The sale of tickets for the first leg presents below-average sales for Rubro-Negro matches at the stadium.
The broadcast takes place on sportv via closed TV and on Premiere via pay-per-view. ge tv shows live on YouTube, while ge is on call with real-time bids and statistics.
Arbitration scheduled for the knockout stages
Lucas Coelho Santos serves as main referee. Thiago Henrique Neto Corrêa Farinha and Thayse Marques Fonseca assist with flags.
João Marcos Gonçalves Fernandes serves as fourth referee. Paulo Renato Moreira from Silva Coelho commands the VAR at the analysis center.
The refereeing team has accumulated experience in Carioca and must conduct the game with strict application of the rules in an eliminatory match.
History and expectations of the confrontation
Flamengo has broad favoritism in retrospect against Madureira. The semi-final format requires total concentration to avoid surprises.
The match offers Rubro-Negro a chance to adjust parts and gain rhythm. Madureira bets on defensive compactness and quick exits to try to balance the actions.
The duel should be intense from the opening whistle, with the home team imposing pressure and the visitor exploring counterattacks.
