Flamengo vs Internacional Prediction: Fight for third place

Two of Brazil's best teams will meet at the Maracanã for one of the top matches of Round 36. Flamengo is in fifth place with 63 points, two less than Internacional, which is in third place with the same points as Fortaleza. While Flamengo has already secured its place in the Copa Libertadores group stage by winning the Copa do Brasil, both Inter, and Fortaleza have only assured their participation in the qualifying round of the competition.

The Scarlet-Black played a good game in Fortaleza and drew 0-0 despite playing almost half an hour with ten players. The red card shown to Erik Pulgar in the 67th minute affected the strategy of Flamengo, which had been the best team on the pitch until then. Still, the Cariocas finished the game with 61% possession and 16 shots, against 39% and seven shots from Fortaleza. Coach Filipe Luís has done a fine job, and perhaps if he had taken charge of Flamengo sooner, the team would be fighting for the title.

The Colorado continues its unstoppable run, and the unbeaten streak was extended to 16 games after a 4-1 win against Bragantino. Playing at home, Inter gave the opposition no chance. After conceding a goal, Red Bull equalized 1-1 but couldn't contain the Gaúchos' attack shortly after. It was Inter's fourth straight win, and they'll be playing at the Maracanã with a great deal of confidence. Roger Machado's men are playing well, especially the attacking players such as Alan Patrick, Borré, and Wesley.

The game should be balanced as both teams have quality and haven't lost for several rounds, showing great solidity. Flamengo is playing without pressure, having already qualified for the Copa Libertadores group stage by winning the Copa do Brasil. On the other hand, Internacional is in third place but has only secured its place in the qualifying rounds, so it must finish in the top four to go straight into the South American competition. I'm betting on a match with less than three goals scored, which can cover various outcomes.