In a strong pre-season rhythm at CEFAN since January, the red-black women's football team will open 2025 with the Copa Rio. FERJ held an online draw and Flamengo will face Vasco in the opening of the competition next Saturday (15), away from home, at 15 pm, with the location to be defined.

Just like in 2024, the tournament kicks off the season for Rio de Janeiro clubs. The format remains the same, but this time, Pérolas Negras will also participate. Therefore, the five teams (Botafogo and Fluminense are the others) face each other in two rounds, and the team with the most points wins the title.

The Mais Querido (Most Beloved) - undefeated champions in the inaugural edition in 2023 - arrive with some new faces. In total, eight signings were made: goalkeepers Vivi Holzel and Yasmin, left-back Chai, defender Flávia Mota, defensive midfielders Driely and Ju Ferreira, attacking midfielder Fernanda, and forward Vitória Almeida.

"We're quite pleased with the squad we've assembled as a whole. It's a more homogeneous team, and that's a good thing. The internal competition for position improves our tactical dynamics, allowing us to better control everything, have replacement players, and maintain our intensity during matches. The group is highly qualified and focused. I've seen a lot of commitment from the players in training, and we'll carry that style into the games," analyzed coach Maurício Salgado.

Ready for another season at the helm of Meninas da Gávea, the commander highlighted the importance of the tournament for the Rubro-Negro's ambitions, which will also play in the Super Cup, Brasileirão, Copa do Brasil and Carioca throughout the year.

"One of the biggest challenges at the beginning of the season is getting into the rhythm of the game quickly. This year we had more time for physical and technical work, but when we're playing, everything becomes easier. Therefore, the Copa Rio is crucial, mainly because of the competitiveness. Almost all the matches are classics, and the level is high, as the teams have different attitudes. We'll make the most of it to prepare for the other championships to come," he concluded.

Check out the complete table*

15/02 - Vasco x Flamengo
19/02 - Flamengo x Botafogo
26/02 - Black Pearls x Flamengo
01/03 - Flamengo x Fluminense
08/03 - Flamengo x Vasco
12/03 - Botafogo x Flamengo
19/03 - Flamengo x Black Pearls
22/03 - Fluminense x Flamengo

*Matches are subject to change