Fluminense handed SESC RJ Flamengo their first loss of the 2025/26 Brazilian Women’s Superliga rallying for a 3–2 victory in the traditional Fla-Flu derby at Maracanãzinho.
Flamengo entered the match unbeaten after 12 consecutive wins and leading the league standings, but fell 16–25, 25–20, 25–22, 14–25, 15–8 in the opening match of the second half of the regular season.
Opposite hitter Ariane Pinto was the driving force behind Fluminense’s comeback, scoring a match-high 31 points. She finished with 26 kills and five blocks, led all players in scoring and blocking, and earned the league’s MVP award for the match.
After being outplayed in the opening set, Fluminense coach Marcos Miranda made adjustments to stabilize the team’s serve reception, which allowed setter Fabíola to distribute the offense more efficiently. Fluminense claimed the second and third sets to take a 2–1 lead.
Flamengo responded in the fourth set, dominating from the opening rally behind aggressive serving and attacking to force a tie-break with a 25–14 win. The deciding set, however, quickly swung in Fluminense’s favor. The Tricolor opened a 3–0 lead, continued to build momentum, and closed the match decisively.
“It’s a derby, and we knew it would be a tough match,” Ariane said. “After a difficult result in the previous round, our focus was on reducing errors. We fought through the ups and downs and showed the spirit this team is known for.”
Middle blockers Lara Nobre and Lays Freitas, along with outside hitter Amanda Campos, contributed 11 points each for Fluminense.
For Flamengo, American outside hitter Simone Lee led the team with 25 points. Opposite Tainara Santos and middle blocker Lorena Viezel added 17 points apiece. Despite the loss, Flamengo remain atop the standings with 34 points.
