Flamengo and Atlético-MG Line-Ups Confirmed for Brasileirão Matchweek 32 Finale
Flamengo and Atlético-MG announced their starting line-ups for the final fixture of Matchweek 32 in the 2026 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, with both sides targeting crucial points at the Maracanã on Monday, October 26.
Flamengo entered the contest looking to reclaim the top spot in the league standings, while Atlético-MG aimed to strengthen their push for a place among the league’s leading teams. The match presented contrasting objectives, with the home side chasing the title and the visitors seeking another important result in their domestic campaign.
Match Details
Fixture: Flamengo vs Atlético-MG
Competition: Campeonato Brasileiro Série A
Round: Matchweek 32
Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
Venue: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro
Kick-off: 8:00 p.m. Brasília time
Broadcast in Brazil: SporTV and Premiere
Flamengo Starting Line-Up
Flamengo head coach Leonardo Jardim selected an attacking line-up featuring Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino and Pedro.
Flamengo XI: Rossi; Guillermo Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, Alex Sandro; Erick Pulgar, Jorginho, Giorgian de Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino, Pedro.
Arrascaeta’s inclusion was a major talking point after the Uruguayan midfielder recovered from a wrist injury. His creativity and ability to unlock opposing defences offered Flamengo an important attacking option in a match where victory was essential to their title ambitions.
Plata was also named in the starting eleven, joining Samuel Lino and Pedro in the forward line. The selection provided Flamengo with pace and attacking movement around Pedro, who was expected to lead the line.
In midfield, Pulgar and Jorginho were tasked with providing defensive protection and helping Flamengo control possession, while Arrascaeta operated as the creative link between midfield and attack.
The defensive unit featured Varela and Alex Sandro at full-back, with Léo Ortiz and Léo Pereira forming the central partnership in front of goalkeeper Rossi.
Atlético-MG Starting Line-Up
Atlético-MG coach Eduardo Domínguez also named his starting eleven, making changes to the side that featured in the club’s recent Copa Sudamericana campaign.
Atlético-MG XI: Gabriel Delfim; Natanael, Vitão, Lyanco, Renan Lodi; Alan Franco, Maycon, Igor Gomes; Preciado, Bernard, Victor Hugo.
Gabriel Delfim started in goal, supported by a defensive line featuring Natanael, Vitão, Lyanco and Renan Lodi. The visitors needed a disciplined defensive performance to contain Flamengo’s attacking threats at the Maracanã.
Alan Franco and Maycon were selected to provide balance in midfield, with Igor Gomes offering another option to progress possession. The trio would be important in disrupting Flamengo’s rhythm and creating opportunities for the forwards.
Preciado, Bernard and Victor Hugo completed the starting attack. Their movement and ability to exploit spaces behind Flamengo’s defence offered Atlético-MG a route to threaten the home side, particularly on counterattacks.
The selection also reflected Domínguez’s need to balance the club’s domestic ambitions with its ongoing pursuit of silverware in other competitions.
What Was at Stake?
Flamengo began the match with 67 points, behind Palmeiras, who had moved to 69 points after defeating Red Bull Bragantino. A victory against Atlético-MG would allow Flamengo to return to the top of the Brasileirão standings.
The match came just days after Flamengo’s painful elimination from the Copa Libertadores at the semifinal stage against Estudiantes. With the continental campaign over, the Brazilian league title represented the club’s remaining major objective of the season.
Atlético-MG arrived in Rio de Janeiro in sixth place with 50 points. A win would give the team an opportunity to move into the top five, depending on the other results and the league standings.
The visitors also carried momentum from their recent domestic victories and qualification for the Copa Sudamericana final, despite losing the second leg of their semifinal against Montevideo City Torque.
Key Players to Watch
Giorgian de Arrascaeta — Flamengo: The midfielder’s return to the starting line-up provided Flamengo with creativity, vision and the ability to deliver decisive passes in the final third.
Pedro — Flamengo: The centre-forward was expected to lead the attack and take advantage of the service supplied by Arrascaeta, Plata and Samuel Lino.
Bernard — Atlético-MG: The experienced attacker offered movement and technical quality, potentially making him an important figure in Atlético-MG’s attempts to create chances against Flamengo.
Alan Franco — Atlético-MG: His role in midfield was crucial to disrupting Flamengo’s passing combinations and helping the visitors transition quickly from defence to attack.
