Fluminense Secures Crucial Point

Fluminense Secures Crucial Point

Fluminense earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Athletico-PR on Sunday, December 1, at Ligga Arena in the 36th round of the Brazilian Championship. The result, powered by a stunning Jhon Arias strike in the second half, brings Fluminense to 40 points as they battle to avoid relegation in the 2024 Brasileirão.

The team, led by coach Mano Menezes, now turns its attention to a critical home fixture on Thursday, December 5, against Cuiabá at Maracanã Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM, and the match is pivotal in Fluminense’s fight to stay in Série A.

A Rollercoaster of Missed Opportunities

The game started disastrously for Fluminense as Athletico-PR opened the scoring in the first minute. The early setback forced Fluminense to dominate possession and push for an equalizer. In the opening 15 minutes, the team created promising chances, with Serna’s crosses causing trouble for the hosts. At the 5th minute, Kauã Elias had a golden opportunity but was denied by the goalkeeper.

As the half progressed, Fluminense ramped up their efforts. At the 34th minute, Samuel Xavier’s long-range effort deflected out for a corner. Shortly after, a VAR review awarded Fluminense a penalty following a handball in the box. Arias stepped up, but his effort was saved, adding to the frustration. The first half ended with another near-miss as Serna’s shot went wide after a blocked attempt by Lima.

Arias Redeems Himself

The second half saw both teams struggle to find space, but Fluminense remained determined. In the 19th minute, a moment of brilliance from PH Ganso set up Jhon Arias, who rifled a shot into the top corner to equalize.

Fluminense continued to create chances, with Diogo Barbosa, Arias, and Ganso combining effectively, but their attempts were thwarted by the Athletico defense. Despite controlling possession late in the game, Fluminense couldn’t find a winning goal and settled for a vital point.

Arias Speaks Out on Social Media

After the match, Jhon Arias, who scored the equalizer but missed a crucial penalty in the first half, took to Instagram to share a concerning message. His post hinted at threats directed toward his family, shedding light on the darker side of football’s emotional toll.

Fluminense’s Relegation Battle: What’s Next?

The draw leaves Fluminense in a precarious 16th position with 40 points. To guarantee their spot in Série A next season, they need to secure four points in their final two matches. However, depending on other results, a single win could be enough to ensure safety.

Their next match is against Cuiabá, who have already been relegated. The encounter at Maracanã offers a prime opportunity for Fluminense to solidify their standing and give their fans a much-needed boost.

Rique Mann Avatar