Fluminense shattered the unbeaten Brasileirao run of Sao Paulo last night by thrashing their opponents 5-2 at the Maracana as they jumped up to third in the championship.
Despite missing Brazil striker Fred, who was sent off in the defeat at Gremio at the weekend, the team from Rio de Janeiro blew away Tricolor after seeing themselves 2-1 behind at the half-time break.
Goals from Alexandre Pato and a penalty from evergreen goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni countered Walter’s for Flu to give Sao Paulo the lead at the break but a barnstorming second period gave the home side all three points.
A Lucas own goal, allied to a strike from Rafael Sobis complemented Walter grabbing a hat-trick to show that Fluminense can cope without Fred and and cope impressively well.
The result ends an inconsistent start to the 2014 season for Flu, who now turn their attentions to Bahia away at the weekend, safe in the knowledge that Fred is not their only source of goal-getting.
