Internacional vs Flamengo – News and Probable Lineups

Internacional will face Flamengo at Estadio Beira-Rio on Wednesday for the 21st round of the 2026 Brasileiro season.

In their recent encounters, Flamengo has shown a notable edge, while Inter is looking to find their footing during a challenging stretch. Following their match against Mengao, currently sitting second in the league, Colorado will also take on Palmeiras, the league leaders.

This is not an ideal moment for Internacional to challenge the top two teams in this season’s Brasileiro.

Match overview

Internacional has suffered four straight defeats in the Brasileiro and has not found victory since May 2026. Their last two losses occurred post-World Cup break: a 2-1 loss to Cruzeiro at Beira-Rio (with goals from Kaio Jorge and Matheus Pereira), and a 2-0 defeat to Athletico Paranaense at Arena da Baixada, where Kevin Viveros scored the opener, and Inter was unable to respond.

Currently, Colorado ranks 16th with 21 points from 20 matches, sharing the same total as Vasco and Remo, who are already entrenched in the relegation zone, with Mirassol and Chapecoense occupying the bottom four spots.

The fixtures ahead offer no respite. After facing Flamengo, Inter’s upcoming league match will be against Palmeiras, the current leaders, which increases the urgency for a quick turnaround.

Off-pitch issues are compounding the difficulties. Head coach Paulo Pezzolano was granted leave to travel to Uruguay after the death of his mother and missed the match against Athletico.

Assistant coach Esteban Conde took over temporarily. If Pezzolano is not back in time, Inter will confront Flamengo once again without their head coach.

Against Flamengo, Internacional’s recent record is disheartening: they have secured only three wins in their last 15 encounters. In the first round this season, the teams shared the points with a 1-1 draw, where Borre opened the scoring and Arrascaeta netted an equalizer from the penalty spot.

Flamengo arrives in Porto Alegre after a 1-1 draw against Sao Paulo in round 20 at the Maracana.

Leo Pereira opened the scoring just 11 minutes into the second half after a corner was deflected, but Jonathan Calleri equalized in the 25th minute with a header from a Luis Osorio cross.

Samuel Lino thought he had added a second for Palmeiras, but VAR intervened, disallowing the goal for offside with the semi-automated system.

Despite the draw, Flamengo’s situation is not entirely negative. Palmeiras dropped points in their match that round, shrinking the gap to the top to six points: Rubro-Negro currently holds 38 points, compared to Verdao’s 44.

Team News

Internacional recently introduced midfielder Calebe. He has been assigned shirt number 30 and has made himself available to coach Paulo Pezzolano, expressing his readiness to assist the club during this challenging phase.

Starting goalkeeper Sergio Rochet is still sidelined with a thigh injury, representing a significant absence for the Colorado defense.

Lucas Paqueta from Flamengo has made progress toward being match-ready. The midfielder has participated for the first time in training with his teammates at Ninho do Urubu, indicating advancement in his recovery from a thigh injury.

Wednesday’s visitors are considering an offer from Turkish side Besiktas for defender Leo Pereira; the final decision is pending from the club. Meanwhile, Gonzalo Plata will remain unavailable due to a knee injury.

Internacional probable starting XI:

Anthony; Torres, Maripan, Juninho; Vitinho, Bruno Gomes, Villagra, Matheus Bahia; Bernabei, Carbonero; Alerrandro

Flamengo probable starting XI:

Rossi; Emerson, Vitao, Leo Pereira, Alex Sandro; Pulgar, Jorginho; Samuel Lino, Arrascaeta, Bruno Henrique; Pedro

Flamengo exhibits a distinct advantage over Internacional, who have not clinched a win since returning from the World Cup break. Given this backdrop, and the chance to narrow the gap on Palmeiras after their recent slip, Rubro-Negro is expected to field a competitive lineup.

A victory for Mengao is anticipated, although a response from Inter—at least one goal—is still feasible, bolstered by their home support at Beira-Rio.