Brasileirão Matchday 1 Betting Favorites

A new season of the Brasileirão kicks off this weekend in Matchday 1, with 20 teams vying for the league title in one of the most thrilling tournaments in the world.

For the 2025 edition, Athletico Paranaense, Criciúma, Atlético Goianiense, and Cuiabá are no longer part of the competition after being relegated last year. Their spots have been taken by Santos, Mirassol, Sport Recife, and Ceará.

It promises to be an exciting weekend as fans get a first look at how each team has strengthened their squad. The most anticipated match is undoubtedly Palmeiras vs. Botafogo.

Additionally, Flamengo will host Internacional in another clash between two title contenders, while Corinthians will visit Baiano champions Bahia.

Lastly, Fluminense narrowly avoided relegation last season and hopes to fight for the top spots this time. Their first challenge will be against Fortaleza, one of the biggest surprises of 2024.

Brasileirão Matchday 1: Games

Brasileirão Matchday 1: Fortaleza vs. Fluminense

Fortaleza had a fantastic 2024 season, finishing fourth in the league, remaining unbeaten at home with 14 wins and five draws, and securing a spot in the Copa Libertadores. However, 2025 has not started as well for them, as they lost the Campeonato Cearense final and currently sit fourth in the Copa do Nordeste. Their most significant departure was Hércules, but they reinforced their squad with quality players such as the experienced David Luiz, Colombian Dylan Borrero, and Argentine Pol Fernández.

Fluminense struggled throughout 2024, narrowly avoiding relegation in the final rounds while securing a Copa Sudamericana berth. In 2025, they aim for much more. They recently suffered a tough blow, losing the Campeonato Carioca final to Flamengo. The club sold young forward Kauã Elias to Shakhtar Donetsk for $18.5 million and brought in Hércules, Juan Freytes, Agustín Canobbio, Everaldo, and Rubén Lezcano to strengthen the squad.

Fortaleza vs. Fluminense Betting Pick: Draw

Brasileirão Matchday 1: Flamengo vs. Internacional

Flamengo was one of the top contenders in the 2024 league, finishing third, and now they are aiming for the title. They won the Copa do Brasil and claimed two trophies in 2025: the Supercopa do Brasil and the Campeonato Carioca. While they didn’t make any major signings or departures, the best news is the expected return of Pedro, who has been sidelined with an injury since September and is expected to return in April.

On the other hand, Internacional finished fifth last year and have already secured their first title of 2025, winning the Campeonato Gaúcho by defeating Grêmio 3-1 on aggregate. It was a strong start for the ‘Colorado,’ who strengthened their squad with Johan Carbonero and Óscar Romero while retaining Alexandro Bernabei. However, they did suffer the departures of Lucas Alario and Rômulo Zwarg.

Flamengo vs. Internacional Betting Pick: Draw

Brasileirão Matchday 1: Palmeiras vs. Botafogo

Palmeiras, champions in 2022 and 2023, finished as runners-up in 2024, losing the throne to Botafogo, their opponent this Sunday, in the league opener. There’s no better way to kick off the Brasileirão than with a clash between the last two champions.

The ‘Verdão’ are finalists in the Campeonato Paulista, where they need to overturn a 0-1 first-leg deficit against Corinthians. Their biggest signing for this season is Vitor Roque, who returns to Brazilian football at 20 years old after a disappointing stint at Barcelona and Betis, where he managed just nine goals in over a year.

In addition to the forward, Palmeiras also brought in key players like Facundo Torres, Paulinho, Emiliano Martínez, Micael, and Lucas Evangelista while selling Rony and Vitor Reis—the young star of the team alongside Estêvão, who will join Chelsea in mid-year.

On the champion’s side, things are not looking good. The joy of winning the title didn’t last long, as they sold several key players, some even leaving to Lyon, a club owned by the same group as the ‘Fogão.’

Thiago Almada, Luiz Henrique, Júnior Santos, and Tiquinho Soares departed, significantly weakening the team’s attack. Their only notable signing is Uruguayan midfielder Santiago Rodríguez from MLS. In December, they suffered a 3-0 defeat against Pachuca in the Intercontinental Cup quarterfinals, followed by losses in the 2025 Supercopa do Brasil against Flamengo (3-1) and the Recopa Sudamericana versus Racing (4-0). They are on a three-match official losing streak and have gone six games without a win.

Palmeiras vs. Botafogo Betting Pick: Palmeiras

Brasileirão Matchday 1: Bahia vs. Corinthians

Bahia comes from winning the Campeonato Baiano, defeating Vitória in the final, and qualifying for the Copa Libertadores, where they were placed in the toughest group. Additionally, they are leading their group in the Copa do Nordeste. They secured midfielder Kayky on loan from Manchester City and also brought in Santiago Mingo, Willian José, and Michel Araújo as their key signings. However, they had to say goodbye to players like Biel and Thaciano.

Corinthians is one of the strongest title contenders, but they have already suffered a major disappointment in 2025 by being eliminated in the Copa Libertadores qualifying stage. However, they will still compete in the Copa Sudamericana. They are currently in the final of the Campeonato Paulista, having defeated Palmeiras 0-1 in the first leg as visitors. Their squad has not seen major changes, with Memphis Depay, Yuri Alberto, and Rodrigo Garro remaining as their standout players. Argentine defender Fabrizio Angileri joined as a reinforcement and has already provided two assists in three games.

Bahia vs. Corinthians Betting Pick: Corinthians