🎥 Fluminense take the lead over Vasco in race for Carioca final | OneFootball

There was hot weather, expulsions on and off the field, and rehearsed plays that were the "protagonists".

And Fluminense gained an advantage to seek the decision of the Campeonato Carioca this Sunday (22).

Playing as the visitor at Nilton Santos, the Tricolor defeated Vasco 1-0 - which would lead to Fernando Diniz's dismissal.

They remain 100% in classics this season after already defeating Botafogo (twice) and Flamengo.

The return match will be next Sunday (1) at Maracanã.

Hot climate and Flu ahead

There were three cards one after the other.

Yellow cards for Gómez and Bernal and a red card for Luiz Zubeldía.

The Tricolor coach complained about a possible foul not being called on Martinelli before the incident involving Bernal. And saw the red card raised.

His reaction was to invade the field to confront the referee.

He had to be restrained.

Fluminense opened the scoring at 31 minutes. A rehearsed play and a goal by Serna.

The Tricolor had good chances to extend the lead on counterattacks but faltered in finishing. Especially with John Kennedy.

Vasco started to pose more danger when Rojas "entered" the game. Forcing Fábio to make a great save.

Tricolor in control and ... blunder!

Fluminense was superior after the break.

But everything changed after a rehearsed play didn't have the expected result.

Freytes' shot was blocked.

Resulting in a counterattack for Vasco.

Bernal - who was already booked - was "forced" to stop the counterattack, resulting in his expulsion at 64'.

Vasco started to take control of the game.

Pressed intensely.

But without creating real goal chances.

They lacked, for example, creativity with the ball.

Which made it easier for the Tricolor to hold on with one less player.

And now❓

Fluminense now has the advantage of a draw to advance to the final against Madureira or Flamengo.

Vasco will need to win next Sunday (1) by two goals to qualify in regular time.

A win by one goal will take the decision to penalties.

Both teams will focus on the Brasileirão first.

On Thursday (26), Cruz-Maltino - who has yet to win - will challenge Santos at Vila.

A day earlier, the Tricolor will face Palmeiras at Allianz.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.