Rio de Janeiro – Flamengo secured their 40th Campeonato Carioca title on Sunday, defeating Fluminense 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a scoreless 90 minutes at the Maracanã stadium. The victory marks a significant moment for the club, earning them their seventh ‘tri’ – three consecutive state championships – having previously achieved this feat in 1944, 1955, 1979, 2001, 2009, and 2021, now adding 2026 to that list. Despite a largely uneventful match, the drama unfolded in the penalty kicks, with Flamengo goalkeeper Rossi emerging as the hero.
The final, even as decisive in outcome, was largely characterized by a lack of attacking fluidity. Flamengo dominated possession in the first half, controlling 57% of the ball, but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a resolute Fluminense defense. According to reports from ESPN.com.br, Fluminense attempted to exploit transitions, but forward John Kennedy found himself isolated and unable to effectively impact the game.
The second half saw Fluminense create more opportunities, with Lucho Acosta forcing a save from Rossi early on. However, neither side could break the deadlock, sending the match to a tense penalty shootout. Rossi proved to be the difference-maker, saving penalties from Guga and Otávio, while Flamengo successfully converted all five of their attempts. Fábio, Fluminense’s goalkeeper, managed to save only one penalty, from Luiz Araújo.
This Campeonato Carioca triumph also represents a successful debut for Flamengo’s new manager, Leonardo Jardim, who was appointed on Thursday, March 5th, 2026. Jardim secured his first title with the club in remarkably quick fashion. CNN Brasil reports that Jardim took over after the departure of Filipe Luís.
Flamengo’s victory extends their lead as the most successful club in Campeonato Carioca history, with 40 titles, further distancing themselves from Fluminense, who remain with 33. The win also marks a remarkable turnaround for Flamengo, who earlier in the season faced the possibility of relegation after fielding a youth team in the initial matches of the competition.
Rossi Shines in Penalty Shootout
Goalkeeper Agustín Rossi was undoubtedly the star of the show, his crucial saves in the penalty shootout securing the title for Flamengo. His performance underscored his importance to the team and cemented his place as a hero in the eyes of Flamengo fans. The saves against Guga and Otávio were pivotal moments in the match, shifting the momentum decisively in Flamengo’s favor.
A Tense and Tactical Affair
The match itself was a tactical battle, with both teams prioritizing defensive solidity. While Flamengo enjoyed more possession, Fluminense posed a threat on the counter-attack. The lack of clear-cut chances throughout the 90 minutes highlighted the defensive strengths of both sides, ultimately leading to the dramatic penalty shootout decider.
What’s Next for Flamengo?
With the Campeonato Carioca title secured, Flamengo will now turn their attention to upcoming competitions. Leonardo Jardim will be looking to build on this early success and establish his tactical vision for the team. The club will aim to translate this momentum into strong performances in other domestic and continental tournaments. The focus will now shift to maintaining consistency and building a competitive squad capable of challenging for further honors.
The victory provides a significant boost to morale within the Flamengo camp and sets a positive tone for the remainder of the season. Fans will be eager to see how Jardim shapes the team and what further successes they can achieve under his leadership.
