By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Fluminense sit top of Group 8 in the 2013 Copa Libertadores after defeating Chilean outfit Huachipato 2-1 away from home. Second-half goals from Wellington Nem and Wagner turned the tie on its head after the Carioca club had gone in a goal down at the interval. Flu now have six points from three matches.
The game continues an unusual trend in Group 8; in five games no home team is yet to pick up three points. After a dreadful performance last week against Grêmio , Flu looked liked dishing up more of the same with a lackluster first-half showing from the start.
Fred and Thiago Neves wasted chances for the Brazilians but it was the home side who ran the game and on the stroke of half-time got their reward. Rodriguez, free in the area after escaping the attentions of Leandro Euzebio, volleyed in Crovetto’s cross to put the Chileans in front at the break.
Fluminense were a different prospect in the second half though, and immediately harried their hosts onto the back foot. Fred hadn’t brought his shooting boots, missing two more good opportunities before Wellington Nem showed the Seleção striker how it’s done, rifling home from the edge of the area.
Flu’s equalizer caused Huachipato to try and regain the initiative as they went in search of victory. Yet Abel Braga has built a side lethal on the counter and ten minutes later Wagner’s finish put Flu in front.
The Tricolor retreated in the final minutes, and as was almost customary last year, Nense had to endure pressure in the latter stages. In the end their advantage stuck and the painful memories of last week’s massacre began to be erased.
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