Flamengo Heads to Santos in Brazilian Championship Clash

Brazilian Championship leaders Flamengo travel to face Santos on Thursday (8th) at 19:30 at Vila Belmiro in round 29 of the competition. With 60 points — three clear of second-placed Palmeiras — the Rubro-Negro look to secure another victory and extend their impressive streak of seven matches without defeat, which includes six wins and one draw.

Flamengo arrive at the Peixe's stadium with standout numbers across the domestic season. Manager Leonardo Jardim's side boasts the league's best attack with 55 goals scored, the second-best defence with 23 conceded, and the highest win tally with 18 victories. The Rubro-Negro also entered the round top of the goals difference chart at +32 and lead the second half of the season with 20 points from nine matches.

Their away record is equally impressive. In 14 away matches in the Brasileirão, Flamengo have collected eight wins, three draws and three defeats, scoring 27 and conceding 13. Their away conversion rate stands at 64.3%, the best in the league to date.

Manager Jardim will have five players unavailable. Arrascaeta remains sidelined recovering from a left wrist injury, while Léo Ortiz has been released for the birth of his daughter. Ayrton Lucas and Evertton Araújo are both in treatment for injuries. Varela is also absent after only reporting back to the Uruguay national team on Wednesday.

Head-to-Head Record

Flamengo and Santos have met 137 times throughout history across all competitions and friendlies. The Rubro-Negro hold a slight edge in victories with 52 wins versus 50 for the Alvinegro, alongside 35 draws. Santos have scored 201 goals, while Flamengo have netted 192.

In the Brazilian Championship specifically, the clubs have faced each other 79 times, with Flamengo winning 33, Santos 24 and 22 draws. In goal difference, the Rubro-Negro advantage also stands: 95 to 87.

Match Officials

Referee: Anderson Daronco (RS)

Assistants: Michael Stanislau (RS) and Leone Carvalho Rocha (GO)

VAR: Rodolpho Toski Marques (PR).