Fluminense vs Once Caldas

An exciting showdown is on the horizon in Group F of the South American Cup, as two group leaders, Brazil’s Fluminense and Colombia’s Once Caldas, face off at the iconic Maracanã. The prize? First place in the group and a direct ticket to the Round of 16. In their previous encounter, Fluminense edged out a tight victory in Colombia. Now, Once Caldas, who lead the group, are eager to turn the tables and push Fluminense into the Round of 32. Can the "Whites" upset the hosts on their own turf? Let’s explore the possible outcomes of this thrilling clash.

Head-to-Head
The teams’ only official meeting occurred on April 2, 2025, with Fluminense securing a 1-0 away win. Here’s a statistical breakdown of that match (Once Caldas at home):

• Possession: 50% vs. 50%
• Corners: 12 vs. 2
• Fouls: 13 vs. 7
• Yellow cards: 4 vs. 2
• Shots on target: 5 vs. 2

Fluminense
Team Snapshot
Fluminense’s most recent match was a 2-1 home win against Vasco da Gama in Serie A Betano. Match stats:

• Possession: 51% vs. 49%
• Corners: 6 vs. 2
• Fouls: 11 vs. 16
• Yellow cards: 4 vs. 3
• Shots on target: 5 vs. 2

In Group F, Fluminense hold second place with 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, scoring 9 goals (1.8 per game) and conceding just 2 (0.4 per game). A win would propel them past Once Caldas, who lead by two points, securing a direct Round of 16 spot. A draw won’t be enough, but Fluminense are guaranteed at least second place, leading the third-placed team by six points with one match remaining.

In the Brazilian Championship, the “Tricolor” sit fifth after 10 rounds, with 5 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses. In the Brazil Cup, they advanced to the Round of 16 after defeating Aparecidense over two legs.

At home, Fluminense are a force, unbeaten in their last eight matches (7 wins, 1 draw). Their game plan revolves around controlling possession and launching rapid wing attacks, making them a tough challenge at the Maracanã. Once Caldas’ latest match was a 1-0 home victory against Deportivo Cali in the Colombian Primera A - Apertura. Match stats:

• Possession: 53% vs. 47%
• Corners: 8 vs. 4
• Fouls: 10 vs. 10
• Yellow cards: 4 vs. 2
• Shots on target: 5 vs. 1

Despite their sole loss to Fluminense, Once Caldas top Group F with four wins, scoring 8 goals (1.6 per game) and conceding 5 (0.8 per game). A draw will secure their direct advancement to the Round of 16, but holding firm at the Maracanã against a strong Fluminense side is a tall order.

In their last 10 matches, Once Caldas have recorded 7 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, scoring 18 goals (1.8 per game) and conceding 10 (1 per game). Their strength lies in swift counter-attacks, which could exploit Fluminense’s slower, possession-based style. After their narrow home defeat to Fluminense, Once Caldas are highly motivated to claim revenge and maintain their group lead.