By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Fluminense beat Flamengo 2-0 yesterday in the second Fla-Flu clássico of 2014 at the Maracanã Stadium. Goals from Fred and Chiquinho helped the Tricolor get back to winning ways after last week’s reverse against Vitória, with the Laranjeiras outfit second in the early Brasileirão tournament season table.
Fluminense appeared more organized defensively, more fluid going forward,and took the game to Flamengo who already look jilted despite the Brazilian national season, the Campeonato Brasileiro, not even being at the halfway stage.
The Rubro-Negro may have won the Campeonato Carioca, but have struggled in more important ventures. They were eliminated from the Copa Libertadores at the group stage and have won just one of their opening four matches in the Brasileirão.
Fred opened the scoring for Fluminense after ten minutes thanks to a massive defensive lapse. From Conca’s corner, the No. 9 managed to leap unhindered by Fla defender Cáceres, and glance the ball into the net almost from underneath the crossbar.
The second half started at a less frenetic pace, yet such was the tightness of Flu’s midfield and backline Flamengo still failed to find an opening. Only Alecsandro threatened mildly but without backup was rendered hopeless against six opposition players.
For Flu, coach Cristovão Borges sent on Walter for a tiring Fred, and the substitute played a big part in his side’s second. Walter released Chiquinho with a precise through pass and the full-back raced on, driving past Felipe with a wonderfully angled effort.
Fluminense appear on the up and up after three wins from four at the start of the Brasileirão campaign. Flamengo coach Jayme de Almeida, meanwhile, is hanging onto his job by a thread.
Brasileirão Round Four Results in Full:
Palmeiras 2-0 Goiás
Internacional 2-1 Atlético-PR
Botafogo 6-0 Criciúma
Fluminense 2-0 Flamengo
São Paulo 1-1 Corinthians
Atlético-MG 2-1 Cruzeiro
Chapecoense 1-2 Grêmio
Coritiba 0-1 Sport Recife
Bahia 1-1 Vitória
Figueirense 0-2 Santos
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