Palmeiras beat Fluminense to take semifinal advantage

Palmeiras beat Fluminense 2-1 at the Maracanã in the first leg of the Brazilian Copa Libertadores semifinal. Although the home side enjoyed far more of the ball in the first half, the visitors made their chances count and take a one-goal advantage into the return match.

Fluminense controlled possession for 70% of the first half and had five attempts, compared with two for Palmeiras. But the hosts could not turn their opportunities into goals: Hulk, Agustín Canobbio and Jefferson Savarino all missed their efforts. Palmeiras, meanwhile, initially looked disorganised and sought to counter, as Fluminense pressed from the outset.

The opening goal came on a counterattack. With their first genuinely dangerous move, Palmeiras took the lead through Flaco López, who was set up by Joaquín Piquerez. López now has four goals and four assists in the Libertadores. He then capitalised on Fluminense’s nervousness to create two more late chances, but could not extend the lead.

Fluminense pushed forward again after the break, with Hércules and Kevin Serna coming on, while Palmeiras struggled to get out of its own half. A Piquerez effort after a pass from Marlon Freitas nevertheless forced Fábio to turn the ball away with his fingertips. Overall, Fluminense created more dangerous situations, but Palmeiras was more clinical and managed to protect its advantage in the second half.

Marlon Freitas then made it 2-0 before Wesley Nata pulled one back in stoppage time. The match was played before 69,039 spectators at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro. Last season, Palmeiras lost the final to Flamengo.

With this away win, Palmeiras will reach the final again if it draws at home next week. Fluminense, meanwhile, must turn the tie around in the return leg. Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira watched from the stands because of a suspension. He took off Flaco López, Jhon Arias and Andreas Pereira, his three main attacking players.