Fluminense had lot of possession on the ball (57% to 43%) and took more shots on goal than their opponents (11 to 4). The result leaves Flu in the top four positions and gives the tricolor hopes of going further up the table.
The first half was very dull as both sides played a boring game. The best chance of the first 45 minutes came from Ganso, who during the initial stage missed a lot of passes. He had a chance to put his side in the lead but failed.
Moreover, with the first half somewhat bland and with less chances created going forward, it was a balanced affair.
The second half started like the first half, but this time around it became more chaotic. 10 minutes into the second period, Roger Carvalho was sent off for impediment. Blocking Felippe Cardoso was regarded as an exaggeration by Premiere referee commentator in the game, PC de Oliveira.
In the 73rd minute, Luccas almost put his side in the lead after an audacious cross was placed in by Danilo Barcelos. Luccas chested the ball to his feet and placed his shot straight to the goal. It was inches wide.
Fluminense’s goal came two minutes later, and in a very strange manner. After a rebound, Wellington Silva beat Gabriel Dias and crossed. The ball deflected off Dias and got past Felipe Alves’ goal.
With 15 minutes left to play, Fluminense managed to keep their lead with Fortaleza not threatening their goal. Flu held on to finish the game 1-0.
Fortaleza returns on Saturday to face Athletico-PR at Arena da Baixada while Fluminense will face Grêmio in Maraca.
