Fluminense finally claimed their first win of the competition in the Libertadores. The win had more gloss to it, given the scorer of both goals, club idol Fred. The veteran forward proved his worth to the team once again as he helped them secure a 2-1 win over Santa Fe on Wednesday night.
Fred opened the scoring in the fifth minute before adding another just at the start of the second half.
Giraldo pulled one back for the Colombian team but it only turned out to be consolation. Egídio was given his marching orders in the 70th minute and Flu did enough to hold on to their lead. The game was the second outing for Tricolor in Group D of the Libertadores.
With the win, Flu assume leadership of Group D, with four points won, although level with River Plate, who also beat Junior Barranquilla by a similar 2-1 score-line.
Fred hits milestone for Fluminense
By bagging a brace, Fred moved up to 185 goals for the club, surpassing Orlando Pingo de Oura to become the club’s second all-time scorer in their history. He is only behind Waldo with 319 goals.
Another goal for Fred also means he has now scored in successive Libertadores games, after bagging one against River Plate last time out.
Speaking in an interview after the game, an emotional Fred said: “I am really happy. It was a very important mark because these two goals made me the second top scorer in Fluminense. For me it is a matter of great honor and pride. I thank God, my family, the fans and all my teammates.”
“And I can’t get enough of thanking our fans, our board and the players who help me a lot and make me feel younger every day. And mainly to God, my family. I am very happy with this. I hope to continue scoring goals without this goal of personal brands, but to go in search of victories and titles with the shirt of Fluminense.”
For their next outing, Fluminense travel to take on Portugesa in the first leg of the Carioca Championship semifinal before another Libertadores game against Junior Barranquilla next Thursday.
