By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Fluminense were held to a 1-1 draw yesterday evening at the Maracanã in the 22nd round of the 2013 Campeonato Brasileiro. Lincoln gave the visitors the lead on the half-hour mark before Gum leveled early in the second half.
It continued the Tricolor’s recent run of form. Fluminense have now gone six games without defeat. However, the result felt like two points dropped as the club continue to try to put distance between themselves and the relegation zone, whilst mounting a late surge for a Copa Libertadores qualifying berth.
“The important thing is to keep working and look for a win away from home to compensate for the points we dropped here,” said Gum at the final whistle.
Not for the first time, Flu made a slow start to the game and Coritiba deservedly went in front when Lincoln met Escudero’s cross. Once again, it was only in the second half that the Rio club found their best football.
Vanderlei Luxemburgo brought on Biro Biro and Ronan for Diguinho and Carlinhos and changed the side’s shape. The effect was almost instant. Biro Biro crossed and Gum headed the equalizer five minutes after the restart.
Afterwards, it was Fluminense who went closer to finding a winner. Wágner, Bruno and Sóbis all went close but Coritiba held on for a point, and with the final whistle Flu climb to eighth in the table as teh second half of the tournament picks up momentum.
Later today, three other Rio clubs are in action as part of the Campeonato Brasileiro. Botafogo host Bahia while Flamengo and Vasco travel to Náutico and Atlético-MG respectively.
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