Fluminense's quest for a second consecutive Copa Libertadores title got off to a sluggish start, as the Brazilian champions were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Deportivo La Guaira in Venezuela on Tuesday night.

The match, played at the Estadio Olímpico, never found its rhythm. Fluminense controlled possession from the outset but seemed stuck in first gear, struggling to break down a disciplined La Guaira defense with slow, predictable passing.

Their best chances fell to John Kennedy, the hero of their 2023 final victory. He forced a good save from distance in the first half and missed a close-range opportunity just before the break. The second half offered even less excitement, with the pace dropping and clear-cut chances at a premium.

The Tricolor had strong appeals for two penalties waved away by the referee—one for a potential handball and another for a challenge on Kennedy inside the area. Their final hope came in stoppage time when Martinelli unleashed a powerful shot from close range, only to be denied by another excellent save.

The result leaves Fluminense second in Group C, behind Independiente Rivadavia who secured a win. The focus now shifts to a massive Rio de Janeiro derby this Saturday against arch-rivals Flamengo at the Maracanã. Fluminense will return to Libertadores action on April 15th, looking to find the attacking spark that was missing in their opener and get their title defense firmly back on track.