On November 9, 2025, Flamengo faced Santos in the 33rd round of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A at the iconic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The match commenced at 18:30 local time and remained scoreless at 00 after 22 minutes.
Match Context and Importance
Flamengo currently sits in second place with 65 points, eager to narrow the gap with the leaders, Palmeiras, who have 68 points. In contrast, Santos is in desperate need of points to escape the relegation zone, currently positioned 17th with 33 points.
Key Players and Team Formation
The match is officiated by Savio Pereira Sampaio. Flamengo, managed by Filipe Luís, deployed a 4231 formation with Rossi in goal. The defensive lineup included Varela, Danilo, Léo Pereira, and Alex Sandro. The midfield featured Pulgar and Saúl, while Arrascaeta and Carrascal supported the attack alongside Bruno Henrique and Samuel Lino.
Santos, under the guidance of Juan Pablo Vojvoda, started with a 433 formation. Goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão was supported by Igor Vinícius, Adonis Frías, Luan Peres, and Souza in defense. The midfield trio consisted of Willian Arão, João Schmidt, and Zé Rafael, while the attacking front included Barreal, Neymar, and Guilherme.
Neymar’s Return and Impact
Neymar, returning from a thigh injury, is a pivotal player for Santos. In his 20th match of the season, he has scored two goals in the Brazilian league and is actively involved in key offensive plays. His partnership with Barreal and Guilherme aims to boost Santos’s attack.
Match Statistics and Dynamics
- Flamengo:
- 19 wins, 8 draws, 4 losses in 31 games
- Average of 7.1 shots per game
- Average of 6.1 corners per match
- Santos:
- 8 wins, 9 draws, 14 losses
- Average of 6.5 shots per game
- Average of 4.7 corners per match
Early Highlights: The opening minutes were lively, showcasing close chances for both teams. Bruno Henrique initiated play with an attempt that went wide. Samuel Lino’s shot missed the target, while Barreal’s attempt was blocked. Neymar notably headed a cross from Barreal just past Rossi’s goal, signaling Santos’s growing threat.
Tactical Adjustments
Both coaches made early tactical adjustments. Filipe Luís encouraged Pulgar to push forward, creating midfield dominance. On the other hand, Vojvoda instructed Arão to closely mark Arrascaeta, limiting the playmaker’s influence.
Possession and Game Flow
Initially, Flamengo controlled the game, holding 70% possession. They maintained pressure with short passes, while Santos attempted to counter through swift transitions.
The match remained competitive as both teams sought to break the deadlock. Neymar’s header and Santos’s escalating offensive attempts tested Flamengo’s defense, setting the stage for an intense battle as the game progressed.