Fluminense Host Operário in Decisive Copa do Brasil Return Leg

Overview

• Fluminense, which hosts Operário-PR on Tuesday at the Maracanã, must win to reach the round of 16 or face penalties if the tie holds after a 0-0 first leg.
• The team carries poor form with only two wins in its last ten matches and four without a win, and fans have voiced anger toward coach Luis Zubeldía.
• John Kennedy leads the season with 11 goals and has swung games late, and Zubeldía praised him as a player who lifts the attack when matches get tight.
• Zubeldía has leaned on a late two-striker plan that pairs John Kennedy with Rodrigo Castillo to unsettle defenses and create chances.
• This cup test arrives before a league date with São Paulo on May 16 and a Libertadores tie with Bolívar on May 19, where Fluminense needs wins and a better goal difference to stay alive.