Fluminense and Independiente Rivadavia Fight to a Stalemate in Libertadores Clash
At the Maracanã stadium, Fluminense and Independiente Rivadavia ended their first leg match of the Conmebol Libertadores 2026 round of 16 in a 0-0 draw on Tuesday, October 11.
The game highlighted Fluminense’s struggles since their return from the World Cup. Since late July, the team has experienced a series of disappointing results, including six draws and a loss in the derby against Vasco, which led to their elimination from the Copa do Brasil.
Fluminense’s performance against Rivadavia revealed a lack of tactical organization and the missing “Libertadores spirit.” The first significant goal-scoring opportunity for Fluminense did not come until the 41st minute when Hulk missed a chance to capitalize on a rebound in the box with a wide shot.
Hulk’s overall performance drew criticism, as he failed to execute successfully and was substituted amid heavy boos after misfiring a long-range free kick.
Fans expressed their frustration during halftime, directing their anger towards former president and current general director Mário Bittencourt, as well as coach Luis Zubeldía.
With limited attacking power, Fluminense depended heavily on goalkeeper Fábio, who made several crucial saves, and a touch of luck. The beginning of the second half saw Matías Fernández strike the crossbar, adding to the drama of the match.
In the upcoming second leg, scheduled for next Tuesday, October 18, at 7 pm (Brasília time) at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, the team that wins will advance to the quarterfinals. If the match ends in another tie, penalties will determine who progresses. The victorious team will face the winner of the Platense vs. Coquimbo Unido match.
Before that crucial game, Fluminense will host Palmeiras at the Maracanã for the 23rd round of the 2026 Brasileirão on Saturday, October 15.
At the Maracanã, Fluminense drew 0-0 with Independiente Rivadavia this Tuesday (11) in the first leg of the Conmebol Libertadores 2026 round of 16.
Highlights coming shortly
The match showed the terrible form of the Tricolor side since returning from the World Cup.
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From late July until now, the Rio team have drawn six matches and lost the derby against Vasco, which meant elimination from the Copa do Brasil.
The game against Rivadavia exposed a team that was tactically disorganized and lacked the “Libertadores spirit.”
So much so that Fluminense’s first big chance in the opening half came only in the 41st minute, when Hulk had the chance to pounce on a rebound in the box, but shot wide.
Fluminense’s No. 7, in fact, deserves to be “highlighted.” Unfortunately, in a negative way.
Hulk got absolutely everything he tried wrong and was substituted, under heavy boos, after blasting a long-range free kick over.
Fluminense fans had already made their anger clear at halftime, when they cursed former president and current general director Mário Bittencout and the (still) coach Luis Zubeldía.
Without much attacking power, Fluminense relied on another great night from goalkeeper Fábio, who made big saves, and on luck.
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At the start of the second half, Matías Fernández hit the crossbar!
🚦 How it stands
With the result, whoever wins next Tuesday (18), at 7 pm (Brasília time), at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, will advance to the quarterfinals.
If there is another draw, the spot will be decided on penalties.
Whoever goes through will face the winner of Platense vs. Coquimbo Unido.
Before that, next Saturday (15), Fluminense host Palmeiras at the Maracanã in the 23rd round of the 2026 Brasileirão.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
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