Powerhouse Flamengo’s biggest addition is the multimillion-dollar signing of midfielder Nicolás De La Cruz, who arrives from River Plate and is a starter for the Uruguayan national team.
Botafogo, which came close to the Brazilian title, signed goalkeeper John, center backs Lucas Halter and Alexander Barboza, and forward Jeffinho.
Vasco da Gama, the “giant of the hill,” signed: Adson (forward), David (forward), João Victor (center back), Juan Sforza (defensive midfielder), Mateus Carvalho (defensive midfielder), Paulo Henrique (right back) and Robert Rojas (center back).
And the reigning champion of South America, Fluminense, signed: Antônio Carlos (center back) and Renato Augusto (midfielder).
How does the Carioca Championship work?
All 12 teams are placed in a single group and play 11 rounds in the first stage. At the end of the first stage, the top four advance to the knockout round, where the two winners earn spots in the final.
What about the opening games?
Today Flamengo travels to Manaus to face Audax at Arena da Amazônia (9:30 p.m. Brasília time, 7:30 p.m. ET).
Today Botafogo faces Madureira at Estádio Nilton Santos (7 p.m. Brasília time, 5 p.m. ET).
Tomorrow Vasco takes on Boavista at São Januário (7:30 p.m. Brasília time, 5:30 p.m. ET).
Tomorrow Fluminense visits Estádio Raulino de Oliveira to face Volta Redonda (9:30 p.m. Brasília time, 7:30 p.m. ET).
At sportsbooks, as of publication, Flamengo and Botafogo are, unsurprisingly, the favorites (decimal odds):
Flamengo 1.18
Draw 6.30
Audax 13.50
Botafogo 1.4
Draw 4.2
Madureira 7.8
