Wahala full Maracanã stadium yesterday as Fluminense show Corinthians pepper for Brazilian league match. The final score na 3-1, but the gist no dey only for goals – red card, fight, and VAR controversy join the party. For those wey no see am live, make we yarn how e happen.
From the first whistle, Corinthians try show say dem no be small team. Dem get chance as early as first minute, but veteran goalkeeper Fábio for Fluminense prove why people dey call for Brazil national team inclusion. The man block am well well, show say age na just number.
Fluminense wait small before dem start to flex muscle. John Kennedy – the same guy wey make name during 2023 Libertadores – open scoring for the match. The boy dribble Corinthians goalkeeper like say na training session. Kevin Serna assist am with speed wey make Corinthians defenders look like dem dey sleep.
Corinthians defense line dey too high, and Fluminense punish dem again before half-time. Serna run like say na 100m race, hit post, but Hércules follow up quick quick to score second goal. The thing sweet for eye, but Corinthians fans no see am so.
Second half come with drama. Corinthians bring on new signing Lingard for debut, but the Englishman no fit change game. Instead, Fluminense continue to dominate. Rodrigo Castillo score third goal after Martinelli assist, finish Corinthians hope completely.
But the real wahala start when Allan, former Fluminense player wey now dey Corinthians, begin misbehave. The man and Lucho Acosta dey fight near touchline. Referee show yellow card to both players, but Allan no satisfy. The midfielder grab his private part make obscene gesture toward Fluminense bench. Red card straight! Allan walk go dressing room early.
Corinthians manage score consolation goal through André during stoppage time. VAR check the goal for possible high foot, but allow am stand. Small win for Timão, but e no change anything.
Now make we talk standings. This win make Fluminense reach 19 points, same as league leaders Palmeiras. Only goal difference separate both teams. Corinthians still dey struggle – six matches without win, just 10 points, and dem dey 11th position for table.
Coach Luis Zubeldía for Fluminense make four changes from last match. Samuel Xavier, Renê, Serna and John Kennedy all start. For Corinthians side, coach Dorival Júnior field Kauê for goalkeeper position instead of Hugo Souza wey dey with national team. Allan, Charles and Rodrigo Garro also get starting shirts.
The match no just end with final whistle. Players from both sides nearly fight several times. Gabriel Paulista for Fluminense and Lucho Acosta for Corinthians exchange words and pushes. Referee struggle to control temper for both teams.
Next matches go show if Fluminense fit maintain this form. Dem go visit Coritiba on Saturday. Corinthians go host Internacional on Sunday. For now, Rio de Janeiro fans dey celebrate while São Paulo fans dey lick wound.
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor @ nnn.ng
