By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Fluminense drew 0-0 with fellow Brazilian club Internacional in the first leg of their Libertaores round of sixteen match at the Beira-Rio stadium in Porto Alegre. Inter largely dominated the game, with midfielder Dátolo missing a penalty early in the second half, but for once Flu’s defense stood resolute.
The Tricolor’s best chances as ever came from the feet of Deco, and when he came off the bench, young Argentine Lanzini.
Worryingly for coach Abel Braga, the dormant form of his experienced front trio of Fred, Thiago Neves and Rafael Sóbis was in further evidence as the line remained stagnant and failed to find a crucial away goal.
The result is however encouraging for the Laranjeiras side. A slender victory in the return leg at the Engenhão Stadium, scheduled for May 10th, would be enough to see them through to the quarter-finals in the tournament.
Progress would see them play the winner of the Boca Juniors – Universidad Española tie.
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