Fortaleza established itself as a major revelation of the Brasileirão by taking the lead, at least provisionally, after defeating Red Bull Bragantino 2-1 away in a match for round 23. It was the fourth consecutive victory for the Northeastern team, which hasn’t lost in nine matches in the tournament.
Argentine Tomás Pochettino put the leaders ahead in the 26th minute, although Lincoln equalized for the São Paulo team from the penalty spot before the end of the first half. Towards the end, Breno Lopes, a forward who arrived on loan from Palmeiras, sealed the final score at 2-1.
READ MORE
++ How many Brazilians are playing in the 2024-25 LaLiga?
++ Premier League 2024/25 kicks off: How many Brazilians are in this edition?
++ See the main Brazilian players who will compete in the Bundesliga this season
Coached by Juan Pablo Vojvoda, they sit at the top of the table with 45 points, two points ahead of Botafogo and four ahead of Flamengo, which has one game less. Both teams are set to face each other today at the Nilton Santos stadium.
Another Northeastern team, Bahia, also won away. They defeated Grêmio 2-0, ending the latter’s streak of eight matches without a loss, thanks to two goals from Thaciano, a former player of the tricolor gaúcho.
Meanwhile, the inconsistent Atlético Mineiro disappointed again at home, drawing 1-1 against Cuiabá. Coached by Gabriel Milito, they remain in the middle of the table, while the visitors sit second to last in the relegation zone.
At the bottom, Fluminense and Corinthians, two giants, faced off in Maracanã in a match that ended without goals. With many alternatives as both have international commitments this week, they couldn’t separate themselves and remain near the bottom of the table.
