Fluminense's Historic 6-0 Triumph Over São Paulo Secures Libertadores Spot
Fluminense crushes São Paulo 6-0 at Maracanã, securing Libertadores qualification and marking the largest victory margin in their rivalry's history.
- • Fluminense defeated São Paulo 6-0 at Maracanã on November 27, 2025.
- • The win secured Fluminense's qualification for the 2026 Libertadores and placed them 5th in the league with 58 points.
- • This match equaled the biggest margin of victory in the rivalry, matching São Paulo’s 6-0 win over Fluminense in 2002.
- • São Paulo suffered from 14 player absences and remain 8th with 48 points, relying on Copa do Brasil results to qualify for Libertadores.
Key details
On November 27, 2025, Fluminense delivered a stunning 6-0 victory against São Paulo at the iconic Maracanã Stadium during the 36th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. This dominant win not only marked the largest margin of victory Fluminense has ever recorded over São Paulo in league history, but it also secured the Rio club’s qualification for the 2026 CONMEBOL Libertadores.
Fluminense, coached by Luis Zubeldía, who was formerly dismissed by São Paulo, took early control of the match. They opened the scoring with Canobbio converting a penalty caused by a handball from Alan Franco, followed by goals from Martinelli and Nonato, bringing the halftime score to 3-0. The second half saw continued Fluminense dominance with John Kennedy, Canobbio again, and Kevin Serna adding three more goals to complete the 6-0 rout. This victory matched the largest margin in the clubs' rivalry, equaling São Paulo's 6-0 win over Fluminense in 2002, and surpassed the previous record of a 7-2 win by Fluminense in 1960.
São Paulo entered the game severely weakened with 14 players sidelined due to injuries and suspensions, including key players Luciano and Ferreirinha. This depletion significantly affected their performance and left them vulnerable throughout the match. Currently in eighth place with 48 points, São Paulo's hopes of a Libertadores spot hinge on favorable results in the Copa do Brasil because surpassing seventh-placed Bahia is no longer possible.
The match was witnessed by 30,427 fans and generated revenue of R$ 1,216,940.00. Fluminense's victory elevated them to fifth place with 58 points, guaranteeing at least a preliminary Libertadores berth. The emphatic performance by Fluminense serves both as a sporting milestone and a personal vindication for coach Zubeldía, who returned triumphantly against his former club.
This result nearly inflicted São Paulo's worst-ever defeat in Brasileirão history, with the record 7-1 loss to Vasco still standing. For now, Fluminense celebrates a historic win that not only boosts their standings but firmly establishes them in next season's continental competition.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.