In a hard-fought battle at Maracanã Stadium, Fluminense emerged victorious against Grêmio, winning 2-1 in the first match of the Brasileirao season. The hosts took the lead early in the second half when Nonato scored with a stunning strike from the right side that found the bottom left corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
Fluminense doubled their advantage just 13 minutes later, with Luciano Acosta finding the net, marking his influence on the match as the man of the match. However, Grêmio managed to get on the scoreboard in the 29th minute of the second half, with Carlos Vinicius pulling one back for the visitors.
Fluminense’s manager, Luis Zubeldía, opted for a 4-5-1 formation, featuring goalkeeper Fábio; a defensive line of Samuel Xavier, Jemmes, Juan Freytes, and Renê; and a midfield comprised of Mattheus Martinelli, Nonato, Agustín Canobbio, Luciano Acosta, and Kevin Serna, with John Kennedy leading the attack.
On the other side, Grêmio, under Luís Ribeiro de Castro, also employed a 4-5-1 setup, with Weverton in goal; João Pedro, Gustavo Martins, Wagner Leonardo, and Marlon in defense; a midfield of Dodi, Arthur Melo, Tete, Edenílson, and Francis Amuzu; and Carlos Vinicius as the forward.
Referee Davi Lacerda officiated the match, marking a crucial start to the season. Following this win, Fluminense finds itself with 3 points and situated in second place, while Grêmio remains without any points, positioned in 17th place on the table.
Fluminense’s next challenge will be a away game against Bahia, while Grêmio will host Botafogo at home.
Substitutions for Fluminense
77’ 2T – Luciano Acosta off for Paulo Ganso, Kevin Serna off for Jefferson Savarino, Nonato off for Facundo Bernal
84’ 2T – Agustín Canobbio off for Santiago Moreno
89’ 2T – John Kennedy off for Everaldo
Yellow Cards for Fluminense:
39’ 1T Nonato (Holding an opponent to prevent progress)
Substitutions for Grêmio
45’ 2T – João Pedro off for Marcos Rocha
59’ 2T – Francis Amuzu off for Cristian Pavón, Dodi off for Willian
73’ 2T – Tete off for José Enamorado
85’ 2T – Carlos Vinicius off for André Henrique
Yellow Cards for Grêmio:
47’ 1T Dodi (Unsporting conduct) and 47’ 2T André Henrique (Insulting or disapproving of the referee)