Fluminense beat Bahia 2-0, secure Copa Libertadores group stage spot | OneFootball

Fluminense defeated Bahia 2-0 and secured a direct spot in the next group stage of the Libertadores. The tricolor relied on goals from Paulo Henrique Ganso and Thiago Silva to claim the three points and secure fifth place in the Brasileirão. Luis Zubeldía's team maintains a great streak of 9 consecutive home victories.

First Half

Fluminense started the match by attacking Bahia and in the first minute already posed a threat to Ronaldo's goal, with Canobbio shooting from outside. After this initial move, the match calmed down and the tricolor from Bahia improved, managing to have a bit more possession but without creating danger.

Zubeldía's team threatened again after 25 minutes, with great plays from Lucho Acosta. First, the Argentine found Serna in speed, who shot at Ronaldo. Shortly after, it was Everaldo's turn to receive from the midfielder. The number 9 shot powerfully and saw the rival goalkeeper perform a miracle. Acosta still had his chance to shoot, but the ball deflected off the defense and went out.

Bahia's response came at 34 minutes. Erik Pulga advanced on the left, shot for a great save by Fábio, and on the rebound, William José was blocked at the moment of the shot by Nonato.

Second Half

The tricolor returned for the second half pressing and just two minutes in, Serna received on the left and shot dangerously. Bahia's response came shortly after, with Jean Lucas forcing Fábio to make a great save. Unable to create opportunities, Fluminense improved after the entries of Hércules, JK, and Soteldo at 15 minutes.

Luis Zubeldía's team remained better in the match but had difficulties in finishing plays well. When Bahia threatened to improve a bit in the match, the tricolor opened the scoring. Paulo Henrique Ganso anticipated a wrong pass from the defense and chipped it beautifully over the goalkeeper. Fluminense didn't slow down and continued attacking. At 37 minutes, Soteldo made a great play on the left, leaving Pulga on the ground, and crossed perfectly for Thiago Silva to extend the lead.

Next Match

Fluminense returns to the field next Thursday (11) to face Vasco in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinal. The match kicks off at 8 PM at Maracanã.

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