Fluminense Lose in 2012 Brasileirão: Daily

By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Fluminense missed the chance Saturday to extend their lead at the top of the table after losing 2-1 to bottom side Atlético-GO. Flu have a two point lead over Atlético-MG, but the Minas club could take first place with victory today (Sunday).

Atletico were more dangerous than their hosts and tested Cavalieri throughout. Flu, for their part, couldn’t get near their opponents’ goal as the combination of Rafael Sóbis, Wellington Nem and Thiago Neves failed to bear fruit.

The game’s tempo had been set and on seventeen minutes Diego Giaretta’s whistling drive gave the visitors a deserved lead. Despite going behind Flu remained sterile all over the field.

On 41 minutes Atlético doubled their advantage to really worry Flu fans. Marcos’ corner was headed in by Renie, giving Nense a mountain to climb.

Flu stepped up  a gear after the interval but they found themselves up against a goalkeeper in inspired form. Youngster Michael pulled a goal back on 63 minutes but it was to prove the only breakthrough. For the first time in this campaign, Fluminense had lost at home.

In the rest of round 25 of the 2012 Brasileirão, today will see number four ranked Vasco play Cruzeiro away at 4PM, Flamengo face number three ranked Grêmio in the Engenhão Stadium at 6:30 PM, as well as Botofogao meet Ponte Preta.

Read more (in Portuguese).

* The Rio Times Daily Update is offered to help keep you up-to-date with important news as it happens.