Flamengo hosts Grêmio in a pivotal Brasileirão clash at Maracanã this Sunday
In a strong spot late in the season, Flamengo welcomes Grêmio to the Maracanã on Sunday, August 31, 2025, for the 22nd round of the Brasileirão. The kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m. Brasília time, with Globo broadcast on open TV, Premiere for pay-per-view, and Globoplay streaming.
The atmosphere is sold out, with the Maracanã expected to welcome more than 60,000 fans.
Standings and form going into the game
– Flamengo lead the Brasileirão standings with 46 points from 20 matches.
– Grêmio sit 14th, with 24 points from 20 games.
Flamengo’s current momentum is a key talking point. The team arrives on the back of six straight wins in all competitions and a dazzling 8-0 victory over Vitória last Monday, August 25. With the Brasileirão taking a break for the FIFA window ahead, Flamengo manager Filipe Luís is unlikely to rotate heavily for the Sunday clash.
Injury and squad notes for Flamengo
– Flamengo will be without left-back Alex Sandro, who suffered a left calf muscle injury against Vitória. Ayrton Lucas is expected to step in.
– Alex Sandro has also been cut from the Brazil squad for the friendlies against Chile and Bolivia (September 4 and 9).
– Also missing is midfielder Erick Pulgar, who is recovering from foot surgery.
– Flamengo’s confirmed starting XI: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, Ayrton Lucas; De La Cruz, Saúl, Arrascaeta; Plata, Samuel Lino, Pedro. Manager: Filipe Luís.
– Current injuries/disciplinary status: Pulgar and Alex Sandro are out; players with cautions include Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, Allan, and Pulgar.
Grêmio’s lineup and situation
– Grêmio’s confirmed starting XI: Tiago Volpi; Marcos Rocha, Noriega, Kannemann, Marlon; Dodi, Cuéllar, Edenílson; Cristian Olivera (Cristian Olivera), Braithwaite, Carlos Vinícius. Manager: Mano Menezes.
Recent Flamengo results and context
– 25/08: Flamengo 8-0 Vitória (Brasileirão)
– 20/08: Internacional 0-2 Flamengo (Libertadores)
– 17/08: Internacional 1-3 Flamengo (Brasileirão)
– 13/08: Flamengo 1-0 Internacional (Libertadores)
– 09/08: Flamengo 2-1 Mirassol (Brasileirão)
Upcoming Flamengo fixtures
– 31/08 (Sun) 16:00 – Flamengo x Grêmio – Brasileirão
– 14/09 (Sun) 16:00 – Juventude x Flamengo – Brasileirão
– 18/09 (Thu) 21:30 – Flamengo x Estudiantes (ARG) – Libertadores
– 21/09 (Sun) 17:30 – Flamengo x Vasco – Brasileirão
– 25/09 (Thu) 21:30 – Estudiantes (ARG) x Flamengo – Libertadores
Summary and outlook
Flamengo arrive as the league leaders at home, riding a hot run of form and buoyed by a sensational win over Vitória. Grêmio travel with the aim of disrupting Flamengo’s momentum and climbing off the lower half of the table. The match promises an attacking, high-energy showdown at the Maracanã, with Flamengo’s lineup adjustments due to injuries and Brazil duty adding an extra layer of intrigue.
Possible watching notes
– Flamengo’s attacking options, including Plata and Samuel Lino, will look to exploit Grêmio’s defense as they push to extend their unbeaten stretch.
– Grêmio will likely rely on compact defensive structure and countering opportunities to upset the league leaders on the road.
Overall, the clash offers a key test of Flamengo’s title-chasing form versus Grêmio’s opportunity to shift momentum in a dense season run-in. A positive result for Flamengo would further cement their top-position confidence, while Grêmio could use the fixture to spark a late-season surge.