Fluminense nick late draw v Rivadavia, earn Libertadores lifeline | OneFootball

Fluminense drew 1-1 with Independiente Rivadavia on Wednesday night at Bautista Gargantini Stadium in Mendoza, in the fourth round of the Conmebol Libertadores. Arce opened the scoring for the Argentines, but John Kennedy found the net in the closing minutes and secured an important point for the Tricolor in the fight for a place in the round of 16.

Needing a win, Fluminense tried to take control from the opening minutes, but found it difficult to break through Independiente Rivadavia’s defense. More dangerous going forward, the Argentine side threatened through Sartori, who was denied by Fábio, and then through Arce, who struck the crossbar. Despite enjoying more possession, the Tricolor created very little in attack.Lucho was the player most involved in trying to organize the moves, even while still regaining rhythm after injury, but the team showed little intensity in the attacking third and suffered from lackluster performances, especially from Castillo. In the final minutes of the first half, Rivadavia pushed forward again and almost opened the scoring with a header from Florentín, once more saved by Fábio.

Fluminense came back from the break more alert and started to threaten more. Early on, Lucho pulled off a beautiful backheel dribble and played Castillo into the box, but the forward headed wide. Later, Nonato had a good chance after combining with Cannobio and Savarino, but his finish lacked direction. Even under pressure, Independiente Rivadavia took advantage of a set piece to open the scoring through a header by Arce.With the score against them, Fluminense found themselves in a delicate situation in the battle to qualify and increased the pressure in attack in search of an equalizer. Cannobio had a good opportunity after a well-worked move, but shot wide across goal. Soon after, the coach threw the team forward with the introductions of John Kennedy, Soteldo, and Alisson.The Tricolor’s persistence paid off in the closing minutes. Lucho broke into the box and laid it off for Serna, who was stopped by the defense. On the rebound, John Kennedy hit a low shot, the ball took a deflection off the defense and ended up in the back of the net, securing the away draw.

With the result, Fluminense remain at the bottom of the group with two points, but still depend only on themselves to reach the round of 16. The Tricolor need to beat Bolívar by three goals and then defeat La Guaira, in two matches that will be played at the Maracanã.

Now, Fluminense turn their attention to the Brasileirão and will play next Saturday at 6 p.m. against Vitória at the Maracanã.

Photo: Marcelo Gonçalves/FFC

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