Fluminense suffers late heartbreak as Mirassol secures victory
Fluminense Falls to Mirassol in a Tense Brasileirão Clash
Historic Encounter Sees Fluminense Fall Short
In a highly anticipated encounter at the José Maria de Campos Maia Stadium, Fluminense suffered a 2-1 defeat to Mirassol in a delayed Brazilian Championship match. This game marked the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, concluding with yet another away loss for Fluminense.
Early Chances and Controversial Calls Defined the First Half
Under the guidance of coach Zubeldía, Fluminense kicked off the match assertively. Just three minutes in, Keno launched a counterattack and unleashed a powerful shot, only to be denied by a save from Mirassol’s Walter. The opening half was a balanced affair, with Fluminense appearing more likely to break the deadlock.
At the 30-minute mark, Fluminense seemed to have taken the lead through a stylish goal by Lucho Acosta, set up by a team effort involving Canobbio and Keno. However, the celebration was cut short when the VAR intervened, resulting in a controversial disallowance for a preceding foul. Moments later, Guilherme capitalized on a defensive lapse, giving Mirassol the lead.
Fluminense’s Efforts Fall Short in Second Half
The second half saw tactical adjustments from Zubeldía, substituting Soteldo for the injured Keno. Fluminense responded with an equalizer at the 11-minute mark when Lucho Acosta’s precise cross found Freytes, who headed down for Martinelli to score, leveling the match.
Despite Fluminense’s offensive maneuvers led by the inspirational Acosta, their performance waned following his substitution for Lima in the 26th minute. Mirassol capitalized on this dip, with Negueba setting up Carlos Eduardo’s decisive goal in the 41st minute, sealing the victory for the home side.
Impact on Standings and Upcoming Matches
This latest loss prolongs Fluminense’s struggle to secure a spot in the Libertadores qualification zone, as they remain with 38 points. Meanwhile, Mirassol’s triumph boosts them to 46 points, maintaining their unbeaten home record with 8 wins and 5 draws.
As Fluminense looks to bounce back, they will face Juventude next Thursday at the iconic Maracanã Stadium, in a significant match for the Brasileirão’s 28th round.
