Fluminense went into the lead early on, when Fred headed in from close range, just minutes after Marquinho had gone close for Flu.
Palmeiras, perhaps understandably given their recent turmoil, were ragged and Rafael Sóbis almost made it two soon after, only to be denied by Deola’s save. But, the Tricolor were well on top throughout the first period.
Palmeiras were forced into ealy changes in the 32nd minute to try and change the flow of the game, but they could do little to stop the Carioca side’s charge.
The second-half was stop-start given the number of fouls, but it played into Palmeiras’ hands as they were able to get more of a standing in the match.
Palmeiras need some luck and that is what they got at the hands of the official. A penalty was awarded for a non-existant foul after good play between Valdivia and Luan, with the Chilean playmaker stepping up to equalise.
It was tough on Flamengo, but the ‘Team of Warriors’ are famed for their resilience and showed this streak once more as Fred was on hand to turn in the ball once more, this time after good work from Martinuccio down the left flank.
Fluminense made disposing of Palmeiras harder work than it ought to have been, but secured the win. For Palmeiras, the mess just continues to get worse.
