Fluminense’s Path to the Libertadores Final at a Neutral Arena
Even with a neutral stadium role this time, the storied Rio Stadium remains the home turf that Fluminense often relies on. Throughout this edition, the club did not suffer a defeat, underscoring its strength on familiar soil and the weight of its history in Brazilian football.
Since the 2019 edition, the Libertadores Cup regulations have shifted toward a single final held at a neutral venue rather than a touring series. In this 2023 edition, Fluminense stands out as the first team to reach the decisive match, reflecting years of planning and the advantages of hosting duties that have long been part of the club’s identity.
HOW FLUMINENSE REACHED THE CUP FINAL
The Maracana, a venue steeped in football lore, was already the stage for a dramatic final in 2020. That edition featured Palmeiras and Santos, two clubs from São Paulo, meeting in a match played without spectators due to the Covid era. This time, the setting carries the potential for a crowd-filled climax, with Fluminense aiming to capitalize on its home-field familiarity and consistent performance in continental competition.
FLUMINENSE’S MARACANÃ RUN DURING THIS EDITION
Even though seating was allocated to ensure fairness in the fan distribution, the club benefited from years of playing home matches at the arena. In this Libertadores cycle, Fluminense did not experience a defeat on home soil, reinforcing the idea that the club’s home environment can be a meaningful factor in knockout stages.
Under Fernando Diniz, Fluminense was placed in Group D and opened with a 1-0 win at home against De Sterkste. The side delivered a standout performance against River Plate, triumphing 5-1, and closed the group phase with a 1-1 draw versus Sporting Cristal. As the rounds progressed, Fluminense kept building momentum toward the knockout rounds.
In the round of 16, Fluminense defeated Argentinos Juniors 2-0 to advance. The quarterfinals presented a two-leg test against Olimpia, with a 2-0 first leg victory and a tense finale in Asunción that required steady resilience. The semifinal brought a dramatic home-and-away contest against Inter, ending in a 2-2 draw at the Maracana before Fluminense secured a memorable win at Beira-Rio to complete the climb to the final.
Across six Libertadores matches, Fluminense registered four wins and two draws, scoring 13 goals while conceding only four. This tally highlights a balanced attack and solid defensive patience that have consistently marked the team’s journey through the tournament this season.
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