Corinthians faces Flamengo this Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Neo Química Arena, at São Paulo, for the 8th round of Brasileirão Betano. The confrontation pits the team from São Paulo, in 9th place with 9 points, against the red-black team from Rio, in 5th place with 13 points. The confirmed absence of Erick Pulgar, suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, represents a significant loss in Flamengo’s midfield. Corinthians seeks to end the streak of victories, while Flamengo tries to maintain its good phase in the competition.
Coach Dorival Júnior prepares Corinthians with returns in defense and attack. Leonardo Jardim, in Flamengo, makes adjustments to compensate for multiple absences, including suspensions and injuries.
Corinthians confirmed lineup
Corinthians enters with a 4-3-1-2 formation. Hugo Souza occupies the goal. The defense has Matheuzinho on the right flank, Gabriel Paulista and Gustavo Henrique on the defense, and Matheus Bidu on the left. Raniele, André and Breno Bidon make up the midfield, with André Carrillo more advanced. Memphis Depay and Yuri Alberto form the offensive duo. Dorival Júnior counts on the returns of Gabriel Paulista and Memphis Depay to strengthen the team.
The black and white strategy emphasizes defensive compactness and quick exits. Depay and Yuri Alberto must lead the offensive actions.
Embezzlement in Corinthians
Timão continues without Felipe Longo, recovering from a strain on the right elbow ligament. Hugo, Jesse Lingard and Kaio César remain out for medical or bureaucratic reasons. The reserve bench offers options like Rodrigo Garro and Matheus Pereira for tactical substitutions.
These absences require adaptations, but the cast demonstrates confidence in the planning.
Flamengo confirmed lineup
Flamengo plays in 4-2-3-1. Rossi defends the goal. Varela plays on the right flank, Léo Ortiz and Vitão form the defense duo, and Alex Sandro is on the left. Evertton Araújo and Jorginho occupy the steering positions, with Arrascaeta further forward. Luiz Araújo plays on the right, Samuel Lino on the left, and Pedro plays as a center forward. Leonardo Jardim adjusts the team to cover casualties.
The red-black team prioritizes the creation of Arrascaeta and the presence of Pedro in the area.
Erick Pulgar suspended due to cards
Erick Pulgar is automatically suspended after receiving his third yellow card in the victory over Remo. The Chilean midfielder, regular starter and key player in marking, misses the midfield. The punishment stems from accumulation in previous matches, including the game against Remo. Ele returns only after the round.
Absence forces Jardim to promote Evertton Araújo or De la Cruz to the position.
Other absences in Flamengo
Léo Pereira is also suspended for the third yellow card. Bruno Henrique remains out due to pubalgia, and Saúl Ñíguez remains recovering from an ankle injury. The bank includes alternatives such as Ayrton Lucas, Nicolás to Cruz and Jorge Carrascal to recompose sectors.
These losses require tactical reorganization in the Rio team.
Where to watch live
The broadcast covers several platforms. The Record displays an open signal for the entire Brasil. Premiere broadcasts via pay-per-view. CazéTV offers it free of charge on YouTube, expanding its digital reach. The Globoplay is available in streaming packages.
These options allow extensive monitoring by fans.
Match refereeing
Rodrigo José Pereira from Lima referees the duel. The average number of cards in the season reaches 5.61 per game, reflecting rigor. Wagner Reway works in the VAR to assist in critical decisions.
Pernambuco arbitration has already conducted relevant games in the Brasileirão.
Situation in the table before the classic
Corinthians has 9 points in seven rounds, with two wins, three draws and two defeats. Flamengo has 13 points, with four wins, one draw and two defeats. Timão needs to score to improve its position.
Mengão is looking to win away to put pressure on the top of the table.
Retrospect of recent clashes
The teams met twice in the previous season, with balanced results. Corinthians won one of the games 2-0. Flamengo arrives motivated to impose its current moment on Neo Química Arena.
Duels tend to be disputed and with tight scores.
Expectations at the stadium
Neo Química Arena must have a good audience, with priority for tickets for Fiel Torcedor members. The Corinthians presses at home, while the Flamengo explores quick transitions. The classic can change positions in the classification.
The match promises intensity from the start.
