By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Fluminense joined Vasco in the quarter-finals of the 2012 Copa Libertadores with a 2-1 win over Internacional at the Engenhão Stadium. After a 0-0 draw in the first leg two weeks ago, the slender scoreline was enough to see the Rio club safely progress.
True to the norm Flu did things the hard way. They fell behind in the fourteenth minute to Leandro Damião’s powerful shot from the edge of the area, sending the fans into stunned silence.
The players did not let the setback affect them though, and less than two minutes later they were level. Thiago Neves whipped in a vicious in-swinging free-kick, which defender Leandro Euzebio glanced in.
With Deco and Rafael Sóbis off the pace Fluminense found it difficult to dictate rhythm and Internacional continued to pose a threat.
On the stroke of half-time however Flu grabbed their winner in almost identical circumstances to their first goal. A Thiago Neves in-swinger, this time nodded home by captain Fred.
Flu will now meet Argentine giants Boca Juniors in the next round, with the first leg next Wednesday in the intimidating Bombonera stadium.The two sides have already met in this year’s tournament in the group stages, with one victory apiece; Flu triumphed 2-1 in Buenos Aires, but succumbed 2-0 in Rio.
Read more (in Portuguese).
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