Fluminense
Fluminense 3-2 Palmeiras: Serie A Drama in Rio
Germán Cano sent the Maracanã into raptures with a 92nd-minute winner as Fluminense completed a sensational 3-2 comeback against Palmeiras in Serie A’s 23rd round. Hulk and Kevin Serna hauled the hosts level after Gustavo Gómez and Mauricio had twice put the visitors ahead, but the script had one final twist.
Palmeiras Punish Early Fluminense Hesitation
The visitors struck first blood after just 10 minutes when Gómez met Joaquín Piquerez’s pinpoint cross with a thunderous header. Fluminense’s defence stood statuesque as the Paraguayan center-half powered past Fábio. The early sucker punch silenced the home crowd, with Palmeiras happy to absorb pressure and counter.
Hulk dragged Flu level against the run of play in the 42nd minute, latching onto Agustín Canobbio’s threaded pass before rifling low across Carlos Miguel. The Brazilian behemoth’s 11th league goal of the campaign injected belief into Francisco Zubeldia Luis’s side just before halftime.
Palmeiras Regain Control Only to Crumble
Abel Ferreira’s halftime double substitution nearly paid immediate dividends as substitute Mauricio restored Palmeiras’ lead in the 82nd minute, finishing coolly after José López’s cutback. The Vérdão bench erupted, believing they’d secured a vital away win.
But Serna had other ideas. The Colombian winger latched onto loose ball just three minutes later, thrashing a 20-yarder into the top corner to level at 2-2. Then came the heartbreak: deep into stoppage time, Martinelli’s inch-perfect cross found Cano, who nodded home to complete the turnaround. The Argentine’s 8th goal of the season sparked delirious scenes as Palmeiras players collapsed to the turf.
What This Means For Both Sides
Fluminense’s never-say-die spirit keeps their continental qualification dreams alive, moving them within three points of the Copa Libertadores spots. For Palmeiras, this collapse raises serious questions about their title credentials – dropping points after leading twice will sting far beyond the flight back to São Paulo.
The stats tell a story of Flu’s dominance: 60% possession, 17 shots to Palmeiras’ 15, and a superior xG of 2.72. But numbers alone can’t capture the sheer drama of a comeback that reminded Brazilian football why the Maracanã remains one of sport’s great cathedrals.
Key Moments
10′ ⚽ Palmeiras — G. Gomez (assist: J. Piquerez)
42′ ⚽ Fluminense — Hulk (assist: A. Canobbio)
82′ ⚽ Palmeiras — Mauricio (assist: J. Lopez)
85′ ⚽ Fluminense — K. Serna
