The semifinals of the Carioca Championship begin this Sunday (12) with the first leg between Volta Redonda and Fluminense, at the Raulino de Oliveira stadium, in Cidade do Aço. Guanabara Cup champion last Wednesday (8), Tricolor takes advantage of the tie on the aggregate score – the return duel will be next Saturday (18) – to advance to the State final. As for Voltaço, fourth in the first phase, only victory matters. The match, starting at 6 pm (Brasília time), will be broadcast live on National Radio, with narration by André Marques, comments by Waldir Luiz, reporting and news duty by Rodrigo Campos. 
? I AM TRICOLOR BY HEART
I’M WITH YOU WHEREVER I PLAY ?TODAY IS #DIADEFLU AND BEGIN OUR JOURNEY TOWARDS THE FINAL OF THE CARIOCÃO! VAAAMOS, FLUMINENSE! ?????? pic.twitter.com/q24kQJNAda
— Fluminense FC (@FluminenseFC) March 12, 2023
Tricolor, current champions of Rio, arrives full of morale to the semi, after having carried out the best campaign of the Guanabara Cup: it added 25 points (eight wins, one draw and two defeats). In addition to winning the title on Wednesday (8), the crowd returned to Maracanã on Friday night (10) to welcome the team’s new addition: left-back Marcelo, back to the Laranjeiras team after 16 years abroad. Although entered in the competition, Marcelo is not listed for today’s game.
The clash at Raulino de Oliveira will have a rematch atmosphere for Tricolor, who lost to Voltaço by 1-0, in Fluminense, the clash has a rematch atmosphere, since Volta Redonda won the first phase, with a victory by 1 to 0. Coach Fernando Diniz should climb the team with Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Nino, David Braz and Alexsander (Marcelo); André, Martinelli, Ganso and Arias; Keno and Cano.
Volta Redonda made the last adjustments, this Saturday, for the first game of the semifinal of the @cariocao.
Esquadrão de Aço receives Fluminense this Sunday (12), at 6 pm, at the Raulino de Oliveira stadium.
Photo: Raphael Torres#EuSouVoltaço #Steel Squadron pic.twitter.com/fz7J8zRg6k
— Volta Redonda FC (@VoltacoFC) March 11, 2023
Back in the semifinals of Carioca after two years, Volta Redonda has on its side, until the end of the competition, striker Lelê, the state’s top scorer with 12 goals. Lelê signed a pre-contract with Tricolor das Laranjeiras – the transfer will only take place after the end of Cariocão.
Voltaço, commanded by coach Rogério Correa, has the best attack in the competition, with 27 goals, 13 of which were scored in the last three games. The team must go to Vinicius field; Wellington Silva, Alix, Sandro Silva, Ricardo Sena, Bruno Barra, Dudu, Luciano Naninho, Luizinho, Pedrinho and Lelê.
* Collaboration of Pedro Dabés (intern) under the supervision of Verônica Dalcanal.
