This Sunday, August 17, 2025, Flamengo visits Internacional for the 20th round of the Betano Brasileirão, kicking off at 6:30 p.m. at Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre. Leader Flamengo, on 40 points, headlines a match that presents clear challenges with Emerson Royal and Erick Pulgar out due to medical reasons. Under Filipe Luís, Flamengo welcome the returns of Danilo and De La Cruz, who have been cleared by the medical department, though questions remain about the final lineup. The clash is crucial to maintain the lead, with Arrascaeta and Pedro ready to spearhead the attack against a motivated Colorado side. The contest is expected to be tightly contested as Internacional aims to climb the table.
Flamengo are enjoying a strong campaign, with 12 victories, four draws, and two defeats in 18 games, a 74% win rate. The team has scored 33 goals and conceded just eight, showcasing a solid defensive balance. Internacional, sitting on 24 points in 11th place, will look to bounce back at home, where they have won only two of their last five matches.
Confirmed Flamengo absences: Emerson Royal (right-back) and Erick Pulgar (midfielder).
Returning players: Danilo and De La Cruz are available from the bench.
Flamengo’s standout: Arrascaeta, with 10 goals on the season.
Kickoff and venue: 6:30 p.m., Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre.
Tactical challenges for Filipe Luís
The absence of Emerson Royal at right-back forces Flamengo to adjust defensively. While Varela is reliable, his attacking input is reduced, potentially limiting flank plays on Flamengo’s right side. Erick Pulgar’s absence also places extra load on Jorginho and Allan in the midfield. These injuries test Flamengo’s depth as Inter arrives looking to exploit any gaps.
On the positive side, the returns of Danilo and De La Cruz offer relief. De La Cruz could enter after halftime to inject pace and precise passing into the game. The crowd is split online over the Uruguayan’s return, but fans hope he regains his best form.
Probable Flamengo lineup
Filipe Luís is expected to field the starting XI, with Rossi in goal, and a back four of Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Ayrton Lucas. In midfield, Jorginho and Allan provide the double-pivot, while Arrascaeta operates as the creator. The attacking trio is likely to feature Pedro through the middle, with Luiz Araújo and Samuel Lino on the flanks. Everton Cebolinha and Alex Sandro are listed as alternatives, with tactical choices between Alex Sandro or Ayrton Lucas, and between Cebolinha or Lino.
Flamengo’s defense: Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, Ayrton Lucas.
Attack core: Pedro, Luiz Araújo, Samuel Lino.
Doubts: Alex Sandro or Ayrton Lucas; Cebolinha or Lino.
Inter’s home form and plan
Inter, coached by Eduardo Coudet, have been variable in the Brasileirão, recording six wins, six draws, and six losses. At Beira-Rio, the Colorado have won only twice in their last five home games, heightening the pressure for a positive result. Alan Patrick, with four goals and five assists, leads the team technically, while Rafael Borré is looking to improve his finishing.
Internacional are expected to lean on counter-attacks and set-pieces, where they have about 65% efficiency. Against Flamengo, neutralizing Arrascaeta—as he has done in past meetings—will be critical.
Recent head-to-head
In recent meetings, Flamengo and Internacional have produced balanced duels. Over the last five games, Flamengo won twice, Inter once, with two draws. The most recent encounter, a Libertadores fixture on August 13, 2025, ended Flamengo’s 1-0 victory at the Maracanã. At Beira-Rio, Flamengo have found the back of the net in four of the last five clashes, lending confidence to the visitors.
Head-to-head results: Flamengo 2 wins, Inter 1 win, 2 draws. Notable clash: Flamengo 1-0 Inter (Libertadores, 13/08/2025).
Expectations for the showdown
The Beira-Rio test will challenge Flamengo to overcome injuries and maintain consistency to protect their cushion at the top of the table. Flamengo’s leadership is at stake, and a win would consolidate their advantage. Internacional seeks three points to push toward the G-6 and rebuild confidence. With more than 40,000 tickets sold, the atmosphere is set to be intense.
Arrascaeta, Flamengo’s top scorer with 10 goals, remains the primary source of flair and a key factor in breaking through Inter’s defense, which has conceded 23 goals in the league. The tactical duel between Filipe Luís and Coudet adds another layer of intrigue to a match expected to deliver chances for both sides.
Public attendance: Over 40,000 expected at Beira-Rio.
Decisive factors: Neutralize Alan Patrick and exploit Flamengo’s flanks.
Forecast: Flamengo is the favorite, with odds placing them around 55% to win, reflecting their lead and form.
Season relevance
This match carries significant weight for both clubs. Flamengo aim to extend their advantage in a tight title race, while Internacional look to climb higher and regain momentum in the campaign. The tactical balance and intensity promise a competitive clash with opportunities for both teams to score. Flamengo’s depth will be tested, but the team remains poised to maintain the pursuit of their title. The result could set the tone for the remainder of the Brasileirão season. A hopeful outlook suggests a tightly contested, high-quality game with moments of individual brilliance from Flamengo and Inter alike.