By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Vasco beat Fluminense 3-1 in the first Brasileirão game at the newly reopened Maracanã Stadium in Rio last night. Veteran Juninho, André and Tenorio did the damage as the Tricolor slumped to their fourth successive defeat in the competition.
Victory lifted Vasco clear of the relegation zone on a horrible night for Flu. Captain Fred and center-back Digão were sent off as their resistance wilted.
Fluminense had begun the better team but on 25 minutes, Fred was dismissed for a dangerous aerial challenge on Vasco defender Jomar. Deco started his first game for Fluminense in over two months, and despite a promising start, was soon overshadowed by 38-year-old Juninho Pernambucano.
The former Seleção international broke the deadlock after sixteen minutes, rifling home from the edge of the area. Things were to get even better for the Vasco idol.
Less than a minute after the restart, he provided the assist to doubt Vasco’s lead, André getting the final touch. Carlinhos hit back for Flu less than ten minutes later, heading home a corner at the near post.
Nenese’s task was made even harder when Digão saw red for a second bookable offense midway through the half. It was Tenorio who put Vasco out of sight, glancing in a corner with just eight minutes left to play.
In other games, Flamengo lost 1-0 to Internacional after conceding a late winner, and Botafogo sit top of the league after comfortably dispatching Náutico 2-0.
Read more (in Portuguese).
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