What an absolutely unforgettable night at the Maracanã. On Thursday, November 27, 2025, Fluminense didn't just win a football match; they put on a masterclass, completely dismantling São Paulo in a historic 6-0 thrashing. This wasn't just another game in the Brasileirão 2025; this was a statement that secured the team's spot in the 2026 Libertadores and sent waves across the league.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Fluminense achieved a historic 6-0 victory over São Paulo at the Maracanã.
- ✓ The win officially guarantees Fluminense a spot in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026.
- ✓ Key players Thiago Silva and Lucho Acosta made a successful return to the lineup after being rested.
- ✓ Coach Luis Zubeldía secured a massive win against his former club, São Paulo.
- ✓ Canobbio was a standout performer, scoring two of the six goals in the dominant performance.
The Stage Was Set for a Decisive Clash
Going into this match, the stakes were incredibly high. Fluminense was sitting in 7th place with 55 points, desperately needing a win to stay in the hunt for a direct spot in the next Libertadores. São Paulo was nipping at their heels in 8th place with 48 points, making this a crucial battle in the 36th round of the championship.
The big news before kickoff was the boost to the squad list. The club announced the return of some absolute pillars of the team who had been rested in the previous round against Palmeiras. We're talking about the legendary defender Thiago Silva, the creative engine Lucho Acosta, and the reliable full-back Renê. Seeing Paulo Henrique Ganso back on the list was another fantastic sign that the team was coming in at full strength.
You could just feel that something special was brewing. With the team back to its best and the roar of the Maracanã behind them, the atmosphere was electric. This wasn't just about three points; it was about solidifying their continental ambitions for the next year.
Zubeldía's Poetic Justice
Let's not forget the storyline on the sidelines, which was just as juicy. The match marked a huge reunion for Fluminense's coach, Luis Zubeldía, who was facing his former club, São Paulo. Not only that, but he was going head-to-head with Hernán Crespo, the very man who took over his position at the Tricolor Paulista. Talk about drama!
For Zubeldía, this was more than just a league game; it was personal. And what a response he delivered. His squad didn't just beat his successor; they completely outclassed them in every single aspect of the game, a true tactical demolition that must have felt incredibly sweet.
A First-Half Blitz That Left São Paulo Reeling
From the very first whistle, Fluminense played with an intensity that São Paulo simply couldn't handle. The floodgates opened ridiculously early. Just six minutes into the game, a São Paulo handball inside the box by Alan Franco led to a penalty. Up stepped Canobbio, who smashed it home with a powerful mid-height shot. 1-0, and the party was just getting started.
The team didn't let up for a second. At the 15-minute mark, a header from Everaldo found its way to Martinelli, who finished it on the first touch to double the lead. The pressure was relentless. Before São Paulo could even catch their breath, it happened again. Just eight minutes later, Nonato burst into the area and coolly slotted the ball under the keeper's legs. It was 3-0 before the 25-minute mark. Unbelievable.
Frankly, it could have been even worse for the visitors. Fluminense continued to create clear-cut chances, with both Serna and Canobbio missing opportunities to extend the lead even further before halftime. The message was clear: this was Fluminense's night, and they were hungry for more.
Turning Dominance into a Historic Rout
If São Paulo thought they might find some relief in the second half, they were sorely mistaken. Fluminense came out with the same foot on the accelerator. The fourth goal was a thing of beauty. At the 24th minute of the second half, John Kennedy got the ball, weaved his way into the box, skillfully bypassed the defense, and fired a brilliant crossed shot into the net. It was pure class.
Even at 4-0, the Time de Guerreiros refused to slow down. Just a few minutes later, at the 31-minute mark, Canobbio got his second of the night. He received the ball on the right, stormed into the box, and calmly finished past the keeper. The stadium was in absolute ecstasy, witnessing a performance for the ages.
And just when you thought it was over, there was one more. At 41 minutes, Kevin Serna found himself with the ball inside the area and hammered it home on his first touch, sealing the incredible 6-0 scoreline. It was a complete and utter humiliation for São Paulo and a legendary night for everyone associated with Fluminense.
The Aftermath: Soaring High, Looking Ahead
This monumental victory propelled Fluminense up the table to fifth place, with a new total of 58 points. More importantly, it secured, at the very least, a spot in the Pré-Libertadores for 2026, with the team still very much alive in the race for a direct group stage qualification. For São Paulo, it was another dark day, marking just one win in their last five matches.
The job isn't done yet, though. The team now turns its attention to a tough away game against Grêmio on December 2nd, followed by a home clash with Bahia on the 7th. After that, all eyes will be on the two-legged Copa do Brasil tie against Vasco. The momentum from this win could be exactly what they need to finish the season on an incredible high.
Conclusion
In the end, November 27, 2025, will be remembered as the night Fluminense put on a footballing spectacle. The return of key players like Thiago Silva provided stability, the tactics from Luis Zubeldía were flawless, and the entire team executed with a hunger that was breathtaking to watch. A 6-0 win, a secured spot in the Libertadores, and a massive dose of confidence—it simply doesn't get much better than that for the Tricolor das Laranjeiras.
