Fluminense Rises from Relegation Zone with Convincing Victory over São Paulo

When they took the field on Sunday night, Fluminense was in the relegation zone. Pressured by Corinthians’ victory over Flamengo, the tricolor needed another win against a top-table opponent to escape the Z4 and signal further progress in the season. It was done.

In yet another characteristic match of Fluminense under Mano Menezes, the team demonstrated all the strengths that have given fans a reason to hope for better days in the Brasileirão. Consistent, aware, and mature, the tricolor knew how to control the game against São Paulo, especially when the moment seemed unfavorable.

• At Maracanã, Fluminense defeats São Paulo and continues upward trend in the Brasileirão
• Mano Menezes highlights maturity in Fluminense’s victory over São Paulo: ‘Knowing how to solve the game’

In a first half where they practically did not suffer, Fluminense took the lead with a goal worthy of a team that knows how to make the most of the remnants of ‘Dinizism’, with the objectivity and verticality of ‘Manobol’. With just a few touches, the play that allowed Ganso to assist Kauã Elias to score was a synthesis of what Fluminense has been over the past two months.

In the final stage, Fluminense was mature enough to endure a period where São Paulo dominated the game for 20 minutes. Even though the São Paulo team had taken control of the match, Fábio hardly worked, and Mano Menezes managed to correct the vulnerabilities that had been exploited by São Paulo with Zubeldía’s changes.

As soon as Mano substituted Marcelo and Serna for Guga and Lima, Fluminense regained control of the midfield, and São Paulo stopped being a threat. The entries of Keno and Felipe Melo allowed the tricolor to dominate the game fully. It was only a matter of time before Flu scored the second goal to seal the victory and remain out of the relegation zone for the second consecutive round.

Fluminense may not be the brilliant team from the peak of ‘Dinizism’, but they have been just as efficient. Under the baton of Mano Menezes, Flu appears competitive and aware of what needs to be done to fulfill the mission of escaping the battle among the bottom four in the standings.