The reigning champions are under pressure and must secure a victory to keep their title defense alive after a late defensive lapse led to their first defeat of the tournament this year. This loss was their first in a Libertadores knockout match since 2013.

Fluminense is struggling, having gone winless in four matches across all competitions, including a 0-0 draw against Corinthians on Saturday. Despite winning all three of their home games by a single goal in the group stage and being unbeaten in their last four competitive games at the Maracana, they face a tough challenge. This is the first time since 2013 that they have lost the opening leg of a Libertadores knockout tie, though they advanced that year after a 2-0 win in the decisive second leg.

On the other hand, Gremio is close to reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 2020 after a strong comeback last week, scoring twice in three minutes to turn around a 1-0 deficit. They are unbeaten in their last five matches in this competition and have won their last two away games by 1-0.

Gremio has not been eliminated from a Libertadores knockout stage after winning the opening leg since 2018. They are also unbeaten in three prior encounters with Fluminense in this tournament, including a 3-0 win at the Maracana in 2013.

Fluminense vs Gremio stream and TV listing

Chad：beIN SPORTS CONNECT

Ecuador：Disney+ Sur

International：Holasports