Fortaleza lost 2-3 to São Paulo on Saturday night at Castelão for the 21st round of the Brasileirão. David and Wellington Paulista scored the goals of the hosts. Luciano with two strikes and another for Gabriel Sara converted the goals for São Paulo.
São Paulo, with three games yet to play, are strong contenders for the leadership of the competition and now has gone 11 game unbeaten in the competition. The Lions, on the other hand, have now gone four games without a win.
Fortaleza and São Paulo started the first half with great intensity.
In the 11th minute, David took advantage of Diego Costa’s mistake, invaded his opponent’s area and opened the scoring. The goal was however reviewed for more than three minutes by VAR and was only awarded by the referee after the review was over.
The goal conceded by the away side woke the home team up and they started to press high in search of their equalizer. In the 40th minute, following a free kick situation Gabriel Sara levelled things up, ending the first 45 minutes in a tie.
In the second half, in just eight minutes Fortaleza had a chance to take the lead, but the goal was disallowed after it was reviewed by the VAR. In the 61st minute, the visiting team took the lead after the goal was reviewed by VAR, Luciano who was substituted in place of Pablo was at the end of Vitor Bueno’s pass.
Few minutes later in the 74th minute, Fortaleza equalized, with Wellington Paulista, taking advantage of Volpi’s rebound after Paulão’s header.
São Paulo replied almost immediately and took the lead again in the 81st minute, with Luciano scoring his second of the night. Fortaleza tried to respond but couldn’t and had to settle for a loss.
Fortaleza will return to the field next Sunday against Botafogo while São Paulo takes on Vasco on the same day.
