Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Goiás – Flamengo – 0:0
In a lacklustre match that reflected the difficulties of both teams, Flamengo and Goiás played out a goalless draw at the Estadio da Serrinha, in Goiás, during the 24th round of the Brazilian Championship. This game marked Flamengo’s return from the controversial incident involving Marcos Braz’s confrontation with a fan and, remarkably, the team leader didn’t travel to Goiânia.
The first half was an uninspiring display of soccer, with only three shots on goal, two from Goiás and one from Flamengo, making it the least eventful first half in this year’s Brasileirão.
In the second half, there was an increase in intensity, with Jorge Sampaoli’s Goiás side creating more chances but failing to open the scoring. Sampaoli’s frustration boiled over when he kicked a microphone in the broadcast area.
This match served as Flamengo’s preparation for the upcoming Copa do Brasil final against São Paulo. The Tricolor have a slight advantage after winning the first leg 1-0.
The goalless draw reflects the current difficulties of both teams. Flamengo, with problems on and off the pitch, are in fifth place on 40 points and face the possibility of dropping out of the G6. Goiás, on the other hand, haven’t won in Serie A for five games and remain in 15th place, just above the relegation zone, with 26 points.
São Paulo – Fortaleza – 1:2
In preparation for the Copa do Brasil final against Flamengo, São Paulo fielded a reserve team and faced a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Fortaleza in a Brasileirão clash. José Welison and Lucero scored the goals for Leão do Pici, while James Rodríguez, who had already missed a penalty in a similar fashion during the Copa Sudamericana against LDU, made amends with a goal in the second half. However, that wasn’t enough to prevent São Paulo’s eighth consecutive match without a win in the Brasileirão.
São Paulo’s decision to rest their key players and prioritize the Copa do Brasil final has not paid off, as they now find themselves in 13th place in the league with 28 points, just four points above the relegation zone.
On the other hand, Fortaleza coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda opted to field his first team, including Marinho, Lucero and Titi. In the first half, São Paulo’s reserves were superior to Fortaleza’s starters, but the only goal was scored by Zé Welison in the 15th minute.
The turning point came in the second half when Marinho was fouled in the box by Michel Araújo, which led to a penalty converted by Lucero. James Rodríguez reduced the deficit for São Paulo, scoring his first goal for the club, but it wasn’t enough to secure the comeback.
With the final of the Copa do Brasil approaching, the two teams will now change their focus. São Paulo will face Flamengo with a 1-0 lead from the first leg, while Fortaleza are preparing for their Copa Sudamericana semi-final against Corinthians.
Fluminense – Cruzeiro – 1:0
Cruzeiro’s quest for a second consecutive win in the Brasileirão came to an end when they were beaten 1-0 by Fluminense at the Maracanã in the 24th round of the Brazilian Championship. Uruguayan attacking midfielder Leo Fernández was Fluminense’s hero, scoring a free-kick in the second half to secure victory for the Tricolor in Rio de Janeiro. This was Cruzeiro’s first defeat under coach Zé Ricardo, who had made his debut with a win against Santos on the previous matchday.
The first half wasn’t brilliant, with Fluminense having more possession and coming close to scoring at the Maracanã. Fluminense’s Cano hit the crossbar and Alexsander forced an incredible save from Cruzeiro goalkeeper Rafael Cabral. Cruzeiro had few chances, with right-back William’s attempt easily saved by Fluminense goalkeeper Fábio.
In the second half, Cruzeiro improved after Zé Ricardo’s substitutions, but it was a free-kick that made the difference. Leo Fernández’s long-range shot took an unexpected turn, surprising Rafael Cabral and giving Fluminense the lead.
The match was also the scene of a private duel between Cruzeiro’s Gilberto and Fluminense’s Felipe Melo, characterized by heated disputes and exchanges of words. Goalkeeper Fábio, who used to play for Cruzeiro, secured his fourth win against his former club.
With the defeat, Cruzeiro’s focus now turns to the next match against América-MG on October 1, while Fluminense will visit Cuiabá on September 30. Despite the defeat, Cruzeiro will try to recover and continue their quest to climb the Brasileirão table under Zé Ricardo.