It had been billed as the ‘battle for top-scorer’ and ultimately did not disappoint, as Luis Fabiano and Fred exchanged strikes in a 1-1 draw that maintains both side’s status quo in the top-four.
The first-half was a dull, tense affair, with neither side willing to risk making a mistake in a match that pitted Brazil’s two in-form sides in direct competition.
Fluminense defended deep, but the much-vaunted São Paulo attacking line could not break-down the Tricolor defence and the game went in 0-0 at the break.
Within minutes of the start of the second-half, though, São Paulo had their breakthrough. Fluminense were the creators of their own downfall as Leandro Euzebio played the ball across goal to Gum, who was quickly hassled by Luis Fabiano.
The defender, panicking under pressure, laid the ball back to goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri but under-hit his pass, allowing the former Seleção striker to seize on the mistake and round the keeper before slotting home.
Fluminense’e equaliser, too, would come from a piece of uninspired defending, as centre-back Rafael Toloi failed to deal with the pressure of Samuel near the corner-flag.
The São Paulo defender found himself robbed of possession by the young forward who was left with the easy task of rolling the ball across for Fred to retake the lead in the race for top-scorer with his 17th of the Brasileirão season.
Following the brief flurry of goals, the game returned to its original tense pattern with neither side wanted to finish without a point. A draw ultimately suits both as Fluminense take another small step towards the 2012 Brasileirão title.
SÃO PAULO: Rogério Ceni; Douglas, Rafael Toloi, Rholdofo, Cortez; Denilson, Wellington, Lucas, Jadson (William José 89′), Osvaldo (Ademilson 80′); Luis Fabiano. Coach: Ney Franco.
FLUMINENSE: Diego Cavalieri; Bruno, Gum, Leandro Euzébio, Carlinhos; Edinho, Jean, hiago Neves (Higor 84′); Wellington Nem (Diguinho 81′), Rafael Sobis (50′), Fred. Coach: Abel Braga.
