Sesc RJ Flamengo defeat Fluminense to reclaim Superliga summit

Sesc RJ Flamengo have reclaimed top spot in the Superliga Feminina 2026/2027 following a commanding 3-0 victory over Fluminense at the Maracanãzinho on Thursday, November 12. Bernardinho's side dispatched their rivals with set scores of 25-22, 25-18 and 25-23, marking a stunning inaugural appearance at the world-renowned venue. The Rubro-Negro remain undefeated and have yet to concede a set in the competition.

The win sees Sesc RJ Flamengo move to 15 points, surpassing Sesi Vôlei Bauru, who have lost one set. Simone Lee led the scoreboard with 17 points, while opposite Tainara contributed 16 points and claimed the VivaVôlei Trophy, sharing the honour with central Juju, who added eight points to the effort.

"We knew this wouldn't be an easy match," Juju said after the triumph. "We studied Fluminense extensively during the week. We've faced them several times this season, and our objective was simply to win. We understand how crucial each fixture is in building our team throughout the Superliga, which remains our primary goal. I'm pleased we played well and proud to receive this recognition from Tai. Our squad is a group where everyone matters. We're seeing that in practice every day. Whenever one of us needs the other, everyone steps in. That unity will take us far."

Flamengo will look to extend their lead at the summit when they travel to face Sesi Vôlei Bauru on matchday six. The fixture takes place on Tuesday, November 17 at 9.30pm BRT, with the victor claiming outright leadership. SporTV 2 will broadcast the encounter.

This marks the fourth meeting between the sides this season, with Rubro-Negro claiming victory in three. The first contest occurred in September, when Sesc RJ Flamengo won 3-1 via the Copa SuperVôlei at Arena Niterói. In October, Fluminense reversed fortunes with a 3-1 success in the Campeonato Carioca final round at Tijuca. Three days later, Bernardinho's outfit claimed revenge and captured the state title against the same opponent at Hebraica.

As the most decorated side in Superliga history with 12 titles, Sesc RJ Flamengo have topped the national championship in the 1997/1998 and 1999/2000 seasons (both in Curitiba), followed by six consecutive crowns between 2005/2006 and 2010/2011, and further silverware in 2012/2013, 2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 (all in Rio de Janeiro).

Sesc RJ Flamengo squad for the 2026/2027 season

Setters: Giovana, Vívian

Opposites: Jaque Schmitz, Tainara

Outside hitters: Ariele, Karina, Mikaela, Simone Lee

Middle blockers: Bia Paranhos, Juju, Lorena, Minja Osmajić

Liberos: Laís, Victoria

Sesc RJ Flamengo fixtures — Superliga Feminina 2026/2027 first round

October 19 - Sesc RJ Flamengo 3-0 Paulistano Barueri - Ginásio do Tijuca

October 23 - Brasília Vôlei 0-3 Sesc RJ Flamengo - Brasília

October 31 - Sesc RJ Flamengo 3-0 Batavo Mackenzie - Ginásio do Tijuca

November 6 - Sancor Londrina 0-3 Sesc RJ Flamengo - Londrina

November 12, 9pm - Sesc RJ Flamengo 3-0 Fluminense - Maracanãzinho

November 17, 9.30pm - Sesi Vôlei Bauru v Sesc RJ Flamengo - Bauru - SporTV2

November 23, 9pm - Sesc RJ Flamengo v Osasco São Cristóvão Saúde - Maracanãzinho - SporTV2

December 3, 6.30pm - Sesc RJ Flamengo v Pinheiros - Ginásio do Tijuca - SporTV2

December 8, 9pm - Gerdau Minas v Sesc RJ Flamengo - Belo Horizonte - SporTV2

December 14, 9pm - Sesc RJ Flamengo v Dentil Praia Clube - Maracanãzinho - SporTV2

December 19, 6.30pm - Abel Vôlei Brusque v Sesc RJ Flamengo - Brusque - Ge TV