Fluminense took an important step toward the Copa Libertadores semifinals after defeating Platense 2-0 on Tuesday in the first leg of their quarterfinal matchup.
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(VIDEO) Fluminense Beats Platense and Takes the Advantage in the Copa Libertadores Quarterfinals
Fluminense made home-field advantage count with a 2-0 victory over Platense at the Maracanã, moving closer to the Copa Libertadores semifinals. Nonato and Hulk scored the goals for the Brazilian side.… Show More
Fluminense made home-field advantage count with a 2-0 victory over Platense at the Maracanã, moving closer to the Copa Libertadores semifinals. Nonato and Hulk scored the goals for the Brazilian side.
The Brazilian side made the most of playing at the Maracanã and will take a significant advantage into the second leg, which will be played next Tuesday in Buenos Aires. Even a one-goal defeat would be enough for the Rio de Janeiro club to advance to the next round.
Hulk Leads Fluminense to Victory
The match began with plenty of intensity and a battle for possession, but Fluminense gradually took control as the minutes went by. The pressure from Marcão’s side eventually paid off in the 20th minute.
Hulk, who joined the club in May as a reinforcement at the age of 40, found Nonato with a long pass. The midfielder made a run into space, reached the opposition penalty area and finished to make it 1-0.
Just nine minutes later, Hulk was involved again, this time as the goalscorer. Ganso found the striker inside the box, and the experienced forward finished the move to double the Brazilian side’s advantage before halftime.
Platense Respond but Cannot Find a Goal
Platense showed improvement in the second half and quickly attempted to create danger. Barrios had an opportunity in the opening minutes, but his effort went well wide of Fábio’s goal.
The introductions of Merlini and Gauto helped the Argentine side gain more possession and attacking presence. However, Fluminense survived its opponent’s best spell and managed to keep a clean sheet.
The Brazilian club also overcame the absence of Agustín Canobbio, who was unavailable after being sent off in the second leg of the Round of 16 against Independiente Rivadavia.
Fluminense, the 2023 Copa Libertadores champion, also continues its strong run since Marcão took charge, recording three wins and two draws in its last five matches.
Now, Platense, playing in the Copa Libertadores for the first time, will have to mount a comeback in Buenos Aires. The Argentine side needs to win by two goals to send the series to a penalty shootout or by three to advance directly to the semifinals.
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