On 23rd July 2025, as part of Round 16 of the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, two of Brazilian football's oldest rivals will go head-to-head at the famous Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Both teams are experiencing contrasting forms and have contrasting ambitions; Fluminense is still trying to recover from a post-Club World Cup slump, while Palmeiras looks to continue to push for the title in Serie A with an impressive away record.

Since 2015, Fluminense and Palmeiras have faced off 22 times in competitive matches:

• Palmeiras Wins: 12

• Fluminense Wins: 7

• Draw: 3

As a reminder, the last time Fluminense hosted a game against Palmeiras at Maracanã (July 2024 again), Fluminense won a narrow game 1-0 thanks to a late Jhon Arias goal. Historically, Maracanã has not been a good place for Palmeiras to visit, and they have not won a league game there since 2017.

• Palmeiras: Win, Loss, Loss, Draw, Win

• Fluminense: Draw, Win, Win, Loss, Loss

Despite having more points and a better goal difference, Fluminense has a very solid home record and the historical advantage at Maracanã.

In the FIFA Club World Cup, Fluminense were thrust into the spotlight, defeating Al Hilal and Internacional and then losing 2-0 to Chelsea in the final. However, they have had a rocky experience in the following domestic competition.

Since the Marco Becca CeCe-led semi-final defeat to Chelsea in the U.S., Fluminense's Renato Gaucho has still not led the team to a victory domestically; 3 matches since returning, scoring 0 goals at this level. The loss to Flamengo was beyond harsh, conceding a late goal in both matches, and the fans had not been happy with the performance again.

However, they can take hope from their home form, where they now have just one defeat from a possible six matches at Maracanã this season (W4, D1, L1). Looking ahead, Fluminense must now depend on more midfield creativity from Martinelli and Bernal, as well as hope Kevin Serna—the team’s leading goal scorer, with three goals—returns to a meaner attacking edge.

• Out: Ganso (muscle), Otavio (Achilles)

• Doubtful: German Cano

Palmeiras is currently sitting 4th and trails leaders Cruzeiro by seven points with two matches cancelled. A victory here could potentially bring them to within striking distance of the top.

Abel Ferreira's side is unbeaten in two matches after a frenetic 3-2 home win over Atletico Mineiro. After their awkward return from the Club World Cup (where they also lost to Chelsea), Palmeiras are showing signs of recovery.

What is especially defining about Verdao's season so far is their stellar away form—15 points from 18 available (arising from 5W 1L) at away venues. They are Brazil's best travelling team. Facundo Torres stands out with three goals and two assists, while midfielders Evangelista and Mauricio provide quality attacking hits as well.

• Suspended: Bruno Fuchs

• Injured: Bruno Rodrigues, Figueiredo, Murilo Cerqueira, Paulinho

• Estevao Willian (transferred to Chelsea)

• Fluminense (3-4-2-1): Fábio (GK); Ignacio, Silva, Freytes; Guga, Bernal, Martinelli, Rene; Lima, Serna; Everaldo

• Palmeiras (4-3-3): Weverton (GK); Giay, Gómez, Micael, Piquerez; Evangelista, Moreno, Mauricio; Torres, Roque, Anderson

While things have been quiet for a few games now, Serna remains a player to watch. With three goals this season, his pace and movement can stretch an already weak Palmeiras defense that has conceded in each of their last five league games.

The Uruguayan has contributed five goals in 11 overall appearances this season. With Estevao gone, Torres has been asked to take up more of the creativity/finishing role.

Expect Fluminense to play possession-heavy at home, trying to dominate the middle of the park, control the tempo, and use their wing-backs to stretch the Palmeiras defense. Fluminense’s biggest issue is finishing, especially with them not getting on the score sheet for three matches in a row.

In terms of Palmeiras, their quick transitions and structured defense will be their focus. Palmeiras will likely absorb pressure and break on the counterattack using the pace of Roque and Torres. The Sao Paulo side has been more dangerous away, as they have scored in every game this season away from home.

While Palmeiras has a better roster and looks more opportunistic than Fluminense, they are also suffering from defensive issues as well, which could leave room for Fluminense to snap their goalless streak. At the same time, Fluminense have been poor in front of goal this season and have already lost key players to injury, which may limit them in this game, and it is difficult to see them taking all three points.

• Fluminense have recorded under 2.5 goals in 8 of their last 10 matches.

• Palmeiras has a scoring streak with a goal scored for 6 consecutive league matches.

• Fluminense lost their last 3 games without scoring in the last 3 matches.

• Palmeiras are unbeaten in 4 of their last 5 matches.

• Palmeiras has not won at Maracana since 2017.

• BTTS (Both Teams to Score): YES

• Total goals: Under 2.5 (Teams with a low-scoring tendency)

• Draw or Palmeiras double chance

The clash between Fluminense and Palmeiras promises so much, and with plenty on the line, you could always find ways to enjoy it. Both teams have weaknesses, and there will be weaknesses, but there is unpredictability with some of the last few weeks' form and the Maracana crowd. If you are a fan or a punter or just have a curiosity, you will want to watch this game in the 2025 Serie A calendar.