Botafogo x Fluminense: Veja escalações, onde assistir e desfalques do clássico

A pivotal clash in the 2026 Campeonato Brasileiro awaits as Botafogo faces Fluminense this Thursday (February 12th) at 7:30 PM at the Maracanã Stadium. This match marks the third consecutive classic for Botafogo within a two-week span and notably, the first to be overseen by new head coach Martín Anselmi at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic stadium.

A Test for Anselmi

Anselmi enters the match seeking to break a three-game losing streak that began with defeats against Fluminense and Vasco in the Campeonato Carioca, followed by a loss to Grêmio in Porto Alegre. Despite this recent form, Botafogo currently holds three points in the Brasileirão standings, having begun their campaign with a decisive 4-0 victory over Cruzeiro.

Did You Know? Botafogo secured a resounding 4-0 victory over Cruzeiro in their opening match of the 2026 Campeonato Brasileiro.

The arrival of recently signed players is now possible for Botafogo, following the lifting of a transfer ban last Friday. Ythallo is expected to feature in the starting lineup, filling in for the unavailable Mateo Ponte and Bastos. Lucas Villalba may also see action in attack, potentially replacing Santi Rodríguez, who sustained a right knee injury during the match against Grêmio.

Injury Concerns for Botafogo

Botafogo will be without a significant number of players for the match. Kaio Pantaleão is sidelined with a multiligament knee injury, while Bastos and Mateo Ponte are dealing with unspecified physical issues. Marçal is recovering from a right knee strain, and Jhoan Hernández is still awaiting registration. Santi Rodríguez’s right knee injury will keep him out of action, as will Joaquín Correa, who is in transition, Chris Ramos due to injury.

Caution for Key Figures

Volante Allan and coach Martín Anselmi are both currently on yellow card suspension watch. Receiving another yellow card in this match would rule them out of Botafogo’s next Brasileirão fixture, potentially against Flamengo on March 14th at the Nilton Santos Stadium, contingent on Botafogo’s progress in the Libertadores against Nacional Potosí. The scheduled matches against Vitória on February 25th and Athletico-PR on March 11th may also be postponed due to the Conmebol competition.

Fluminense’s Home Advantage

Fluminense enters the contest with a formidable record, having secured 14 consecutive victories at the Maracanã under the guidance of coach Luis Zubeldía. Zubeldía is expected to deploy a midfield featuring Bernal, Lucho Acosta, and Martinelli, with Savarino providing width. Germán Cano remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from knee surgery, alongside Nonato.

Expert Insight: The significant number of injuries within the Botafogo squad presents a considerable challenge for Coach Anselmi as he attempts to secure a positive result against a Fluminense side enjoying a long winning streak at their home stadium.

Demand for tickets from Botafogo supporters was high, with the visiting section of the Maracanã quickly selling out. Botafogo fans will occupy a space in the North sector of the stadium.

Broadcast Information

The classic match will be broadcast nationally on Record, with Cléber Machado providing commentary alongside Dodô and Maurício Noriega. Viewers can also tune in on Premiere, featuring Luiz Carlos Jr. And commentators Ledio Carmona and Paulo Nunes, or watch live on Cazé TV via YouTube with Raoni Pacheco, Ju Cabral, and Fernando Campos.

Match Officials

The match will be officiated by referee Rafael Rodrigo Klein (Fifa/RS), assisted by Maira Mastella Moreira (Fifa/RS) and Michael Stanislau (RS). Gustavo Ervino Bauermann (SC) will serve as the fourth official, with Luiz Carlos Camara Bezerra (RN) as the inspector and José Henrique de Carvalho (SP) as the assessor. VAR duties will be handled by Daniel Nobre Bins (VAR-Fifa/RS), supported by Eder Alexandre (SC) and Douglas Marques das Flores (SP), with Marcelo Carvalho Van Gasse (MG) as the VAR observer and Bernardo Campos Martins (RJ) as the quality manager.

Match Details

Estádio: Maracanã
Data-Hora: 12/2/2026 – 19h30
Árbitro: Rafael Rodrigo Klein (Fifa/RS)
Assistentes: Maira Mastella Moreira (Fifa/RS) e Michael Stanislau (RS)
VAR: Daniel Nobre Bins (VAR-Fifa/RS)

FLUMINENSE: Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Jemmes, Freytes e Renê; Bernal, Martinelli e Lucho Acosta; Serna (Savarino), John Kennedy e Canobbio – Técnico: Luis Zubeldía.

BOTAFOGO: Neto; Ythallo, Newton e Alexander Barboza; Vitinho, Allan, Danilo e Alex Telles; Artur (Lucas Villalba), Arthur Cabral e Álvaro Montoro – Técnico: Martín Anselmi.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the match begin?

The match between Botafogo and Fluminense is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM on February 12th, 2026.

Where will the match be played?

The match will be played at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Which players are unavailable for Botafogo?

Kaio Pantaleão, Bastos, Mateo Ponte, Marçal, Jhoan Hernández, Santi Rodríguez, Joaquín Correa, and Chris Ramos are all unavailable for Botafogo due to injury or other reasons.

Given the number of absences and the opponent’s strong home record, what adjustments do you anticipate Coach Anselmi will make to his strategy?