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There was a heated atmosphere, expulsions on and off the field, and rehearsed plays that were the "protagonists".
And Fluminense gained an advantage to seek the decision of the Campeonato Carioca this Sunday (22).
Playing as the visitor at Nilton Santos, the Tricolor defeated Vasco 1-0.
They remain 100% in classics this season after already having beaten Botafogo (twice) and Flamengo.
The return match will be next Sunday (1) at Maracanã.
Heated atmosphere and Flu in the lead
There were three cards one after the other.
Yellow cards for Gómez and Bernal and a red card for Luiz Zubeldía.
The Tricolor coach complained about a possible foul on Martinelli before the incident involving Bernal. And saw the red card being shown.
His reaction was to invade the field to confront the referee.
He had to be restrained.
Fluminense opened the scoring at 31 minutes. A rehearsed play and a goal by Serna.
The Tricolor had good chances to extend the lead in counterattacks but faltered in finishing. Especially with John Kennedy.
Vasco became more dangerous when Rojas "entered" the game, forcing Fábio to make a great save.
Tricolor in control and… blunder!
Fluminense was superior after the break.
But everything changed after a rehearsed play did not have the expected result.
Freytes' shot was blocked.
Resulting in a counterattack for Vasco.
Bernal – who was already booked – was "forced" to stop the counterattack, resulting in his expulsion at 64'.
Vasco under Diniz began to take control of the game.
They pressed intensely.
But without creating real goal-scoring chances.
They lacked, for example, creativity with the ball.
Which made it easier for the Tricolor to hold on with one less player.
And now❓
Fluminense now has the advantage of a draw to advance to the final against Madureira or Flamengo.
Vasco will need to win next Sunday (1) by two goals to qualify in regular time.
A one-goal victory will take the decision to penalties.
Both teams will now focus on the Brasileirão first.
On Thursday (26), the Cruz-Maltino – who have yet to win – will challenge Santos at Vila.
A day earlier, the Tricolor will face Palmeiras at Allianz.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
