Fluminense confirmed its place in the 2026 Campeonato Carioca final by drawing 1-1 with Vasco, this Sunday, at Maracanã, in the second game of the semifinals. As they had won the first match 1-0, at Engenhão, the Tricolor were ahead on aggregate: 2-1.
Their opponent must be Flamengo, who this Monday has everything to confirm their place against Madureira, also at Maracanã – the red-black team won the first game 3-0.
This will be Fluminense’s seventh appearance in the State final in eight years. The tricolor team is looking for its 34th state title in a single game, on the 8th, as provided for in the regulations. But they will have to show more football, because they were dominated by Vasco for many moments, after missing a penalty with Renê
Cruzmaltino took the lead with Robert Renan and had the chance to score the second goal in the final stage. But goalkeeper Fábio saved Brenner’s penalty. Another penalty, taken by Ganso, sought an equalizer in the final minutes.
The game had barely started and in the first minute, Fluminense had a real chance to open the scoring, with a penalty in their favor. Canobbio entered the area and was touched underneath by Barros. When charging, however, Renê exaggerated his strength and kicked out.
Time passed and Vasco began to dominate the actions on the field. The greater volume of the game was reinforced by the goal scored in the 34th minute by Robert Renan. He appeared in the small area and caught a rebound from Fábio, after a header from Saldivia, following a corner. In principle, the goal was disallowed due to an indication of offside on the part of the assistant, but VAR confirmed the legal position of Renan, who scored his first career goal.
The second half started with Fluminense very aggressive, but with their players ‘stocked’ above normal. Vasco stayed on their field, but was conscious of touching the ball and waiting for a counterattack. The chance came in the 24th minute, when Samuel Xavier lost to David who passed the ball to the speed of Andrés Goméz. He invaded the area and ended up being touched when he cut Freytes: penalty.
The chance to score the second goal and stay ahead on the aggregate score was at Brenner’s feet. He shot into the left corner, Fábio jumped and palmed it. The ball hit the post, returned to the middle of the area and ended up being cleared by the defense.
Missing such a clear chance in a classic is always dangerous. So much so that Fluminense returned to offensive pressure and had another penalty, in the 39th minute. After a corner taken by Ganso, Martinelli headed and the ball hit Barros’ hand.
VAR confirmed the penalty and Ganso didn’t miss the chance this time. With great skill he displaced goalkeeper Léo Jardim, who fell on the left side and the ball went in on the other side. It was the password for the tricolor party in the stands.
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