Fluminense’s late goal beats Athletico-PR, go second in Brasileirão | OneFootball

Fluminense defeated Athletico-PR 3-2 on Sunday afternoon in a match valid for the 6th round of the Brazilian Championship. In a lively game decided in the final minutes, the Tricolor managed to come from behind at Maracanã and took second place in the competition.

The game started evenly at Maracanã, but Athletico was more efficient with their first opportunity. Just four minutes in, after Freytes attempted to cut a pass, the ball fell to Zapelli, who found Mendoza at the edge of the area. The forward shot across goal, the ball hit the post before finding the back of the net, opening the scoring with the first shot from the Paraná team. Fluminense's response came quickly. At eight minutes, Santos poorly cleared a back pass, the ball hit John Kennedy and stayed in the attacking field. Hércules received it on the left side of the area and hit a strong shot into the top corner to equalize, also with Flu's first shot of the match.

At 27 minutes, the game's scenario changed. After being bumped by Ignácio and falling to the ground, Zapelli retaliated with a stomp on Samuel Xavier. The incident was reviewed by VAR and ended with the expulsion of the Athletico midfielder, leaving the visiting team with one less player. From there, the Paraná team's marking loosened, giving more space to Fluminense. Lucho Acosta, who had little freedom until then, almost scored a wonder goal. The Argentine midfielder dribbled past several defenders before being stopped by a good save from Santos.

The Tricolor pressure turned into a comeback at 36 minutes. Hércules found Savarino inside the area, and the Venezuelan set up Canobbio to finish strongly and score Fluminense's second goal.

In the second half, Fluminense returned pressing and almost extended their lead just four minutes in. Hércules exchanged passes with John Kennedy, entered the area, and shot to the corner, but Santos made a great save. Shortly after, Lucho Acosta made a beautiful individual play, dribbled past two defenders, and passed to Savarino, who hit the crossbar.

At 27 minutes, the Tricolor coach sought to refresh the attack: Soteldo came in for Savarino, Castillo replaced John Kennedy, and Serna took Canobbio's place.

Even with the changes, Athletico equalized at 29 minutes. After a ball was lifted into the area, Luiz Gustavo rose unmarked and headed into the corner. The play underwent a lengthy VAR review before being confirmed.

In the final minutes, Fluminense increased the pressure. Ganso came in for Hércules to play alongside Lucho in creation, and in stoppage time, the persistence paid off: after Lucho's attempt in the area and a partial clearance by the defense, the ball fell to Guilherme Arana, who hit a shot into the top corner to secure the Tricolor victory.

Could end the round in the lead

With the result, Fluminense reached 13 points in the Brazilian Championship and took second place in the competition. The Tricolor could still end the round at the top of the table if São Paulo is defeated by RB Bragantino by two or more goals and Palmeiras does not beat Mirassol.

Fluminense's next match will be this Wednesday at 9:30 PM, again at Maracanã. The Tricolor faces Vasco da Gama in a classic valid for the 7th round of the Brazilian Championship.

Photo: MARCELO GONÇALVES / FLUMINENSE F.C.

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