By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Fluminense went five points clear at the top of the 2012 Brasileirão after overcoming Náutico 2-1 in Volta Redonda. Despite the victory it was a poor performance from the Tricolor, who after taking a two goal lead allowed their opponents back into the game in the second half.
Recife outfit Náutico were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty in injury-time which would have seen Flu throw away a two goal advantage for the second time in a matter of weeks. But as it was they survived by the skin of their teeth to move onto 56 points.
After a muted opening, Fluminense scored two goals in the final four minutes of the first half. First, a mistake from goalkeeper Gideão allowed Leandro Euzebio to hook the first ball into the net before beautiful link-up play between Deco and Thiago Neves allowed Fred to double the lead.
It was his twelfth goal of the campaign, making him the leading scorer in the league. But with the side on easy street Flu attempted to press the self-destruct button.
Kim halved the deficit and at the death Cavalieri was called into action to make a point-blank save. From the rebound, Gum appeared to push Kim to the ground, but the referee waved play on.
In the rest of round 26 of the 2012 Brasileirão, today will see number four ranked Vasco play Ponte Preta away at 4PM, Flamengo face number last placed Atlético-GO, as well as Botafogo meet Corinthians at home in the Engenhão Stadium at 4PM.
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