Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Flamengo RJ – América MG 1-1
Flamengo and América-MG drew 1-1 at the Maracanã in the 16th round of the Brazilian Championship. A few days earlier, América had entered the last 16 of the Copa Sudamericana and were determined to continue their winning streak. In addition, he needed to climb to last place in the league. The first half was very difficult and, in the 75th minute, the referee disallowed América-MG’s goal using the VAR system. This increased the tension, but the visitors were soon on the attack. Felipe Azevedo scored in the 84th minute. Flamengo showed character to equalize in the 96th minute – Victor Hugo headed in a free-kick from Arrascaeta – 1:1. Flamengo’s disappointment was obvious, as they missed several golden chances, while América-MG’s strong defense and dangerous counter-attacks earned them a deserved point.
Palmeiras – Fortaleza 3-1
In a game played at Allianz Parque, Palmeiras beat Fortaleza 3-1 in the 16th round of the Brazilian Championship. Richard Ríos quickly put the home side ahead with a deflected goal early on. Fortaleza, however, responded with determination and Luceno scored, but the goal was controversially disallowed due to a handball detected by the VAR. Undeterred, Luceno later converted a penalty to equalize for the visitors.
In the second half, Palmeiras regained control, and Raphael Veiga ended his goal drought with a shot from outside the area, putting the hosts back in the lead. Fortaleza’s incessant attacks tested the Palmeiras defense, but goalkeeper Weverton showed his brilliance with crucial saves. In the end, Breno Lopes sealed the win with another goal for Abel Ferreira’s side.
With this result, Palmeiras broke their five-game winless streak in the Brasileirão and climbed to third in the standings with 28 points. Fortaleza, despite the good performance, are currently in ninth place with 23 points.
Bahia-Corinthians 0-0
In the first half, the hosts were more active, creating chances and even winning a penalty in the 45th minute. Referee André Luiz Skettino Policarpo Bento’s controversial decision to award Bahia a non-existent penalty, which was later annulled by the VAR, added to the general frustration of the game.
In the second half, both teams made an effort to improve their performance, but Bahia continued to create more chances, despite the difficulty in finishing. Corinthians failed to pose a significant threat, and newly signed midfielder Matías Rojas left the field with an ankle injury, adding to concerns ahead of the Copa do Brasil semi-final against São Paulo. The match also saw a late Corinthians goal (87 mins) correctly disallowed for offside. Bahia came close to snatching victory in the 92nd minute, but their attempts were thwarted by saves from Cássio and a shot from Tasiano on the goal line.
Cuiabá – São Paulo 2-1
The most unexpected result of the day. São Paulo, without some important starters like Alisson and Luciano, failed to take advantage of their possession advantage in the first half, unable to convert it into productive attacks. There was a change of pace in the second half, with Cuiabá stepping up their marking and attacking more frequently, which led to a penalty being awarded by the VAR in the 55th minute. However, Deyverson’s penalty hit the post. In the 61st minute, the visitors were still trailing after Dorival Silvestre Júnior was sent off. In the 66th minute, Cuiabá won a penalty again, this time scoring – Clayson 1-0. In the 78th minute, Isidro Pitta extended Cuiabá’s lead to 2-0. São Paulo managed a late consolation goal through Nathan, but it wasn’t enough to change the result. The defeat leaves São Paulo in fifth place in the table, while Cuiabá are in 13th position.
Grêmio – Atlético-MG – 1:0
Ronald’s goal 11 minutes into the first half proved to be the decisive moment for the home side. Gabriel Grando’s three saves before the break maintained the lead in the second half. Despite Gremio’s early pressure and continuous efforts to extend their lead, Atlético-MG reacted in the second half, creating several chances to score. In the 82nd minute, Alan Kardec scored, but from outside the area.
With this win, Gremio regained second place in the table with 29 points, 10 points behind league leaders Botafogo, who play on Sunday. On the other hand, Atlético-MG continue to struggle under Felipão, as they remain in 13th place with 21 points, still without a win.