Hulk Haunts Corinthians as Fluminense Triumph 3-1

Corinthians 1 – 3 Fluminense. The Serie A giants crumbled at home as Hulk’s clinical double and a late Kevin Serna strike condemned Fernando Diniz’s side to a damaging defeat in their 28th round clash.

Corinthians’ early promise shattered by Hulk’s precision

The Arena Corinthians erupted in hope as the hosts dominated early possession, Memphis Depay testing Fabio with a stinging drive. But in the 24th minute, the roof fell in. Luciano Acosta’s defence-splitting pass found Hulk peeling away from Gustavo Henrique, and the veteran striker rounded Hugo Souza before slotting home despite a nervy VAR check. Corinthians’ frustration boiled over – Matheuzinho and Andre both seeing yellow in a frantic first half where they dominated 57% possession but trailed to Fluminense’s only shot on target.

Fluminense survive Gustavo Henrique’s hammer blow

The second half erupted when Gustavo Henrique atoned for his defensive lapse, thundering home a 56th-minute equaliser from a scrambled corner. The defender’s knee-slide celebration ignited belief – but Fluminense’s streetwise veterans refused to buckle. Samuel Xavier and Agustin Canobbio both took tactical yellows to disrupt the momentum, their 43% possession belying a masterclass in game management.

Hulk and Serna twist the knife late on

Just as Corinthians pushed for a winner, Hulk struck again in the 76th minute. Substitute Paulo Henrique’s floated cross found the unmarked striker, his downward header leaving Souza grasping at air. Kevin Serna’s 93rd-minute breakaway – assisted by Matheus Martinelli’s raking pass – completed the humiliation, Fluminense scoring three times from just six shots on target. The visitors’ five yellow cards told their own story – this was victory forged in streetwise grit.

What this means for Fluminense and Corinthians

Marcão’s Fluminense move into the top four with this statement away win, Hulk proving age is just a number with his 10th and 11th goals of the season. For Corinthians, the boos that greeted the final whistle said it all – a third straight home defeat leaves Diniz clinging to his job despite 20 shots and 11 corners. These two giants meet again in the Copa do Brasil quarter-finals next month – and the Timão faithful will demand vengeance.