By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Fluminense scored an 88th minute goal to snatch a 2-1 win over São Paulo at the Maracanã Stadium yesterday. The result meant that, with three rounds remaining in the 2013 Campeonato Brasileiro, Fluminense are one point clear of the relegation zone.
It was a hugely dramatic afternoon for all concerned as Flu battle against the drop. Close to 40,000 fans were inside the stadium and they didn’t stop cheering until well after the final whistle.
The game had stared badly for Fluzão who fell behind on seventeen minutes. Jadson passed to João Schmidt who in turn found Weilton to steer the ball past Cavalieri.
Welington then had a chance to double the visitors’ lead but Cavalieri made an excellent save. Flu fought back and went close through striker Samuel.
The youngster played a big part in Fu’s equalizer on 24 minutes. Unleashing a ferocious strike from distance, the ball came back off the upright, loping up for Jean to head home the rebound.
Fluminense started the second half at a quicker pace. Rhayner and Jean went close to giving the Cariocas the lead but were thwarted by Denis in the São Paulo goal.
São Paulo tried to hit on the counter and Osvaldo almost put the Paulistas back in front. Flu coach Doríval Junior reacted by throwing on attacker Biro Biro.
His entrance added Flu a more threatening edge, but the goal didn’t come until the curtain call. Gum rose highest at a corner and headed the all important winner.
In other games involving Rio clubs Vasco came away from Corinthians with a goalless draw and remain in the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Flamengo lost 2-1 away to Grêmio.
Maxi put the home side ahead on the hour mark. João Paulo equalized five minutes from time but Maxi put Grêmio back in front less than 60 seconds later.
Read more (in Portuguese).
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