Rio de janeiro: Fluminense secured a 2-1 victory over Fortaleza at home, propelling them to eighth place in Brazil’s Serie A. German Cano and Agustin Canobbio were the scorers for Fluminense, each finding the net on either side of halftime in this closely contested match.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Argentine striker German Cano opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a precise first-time finish, following a well-timed cut-back from teammate Kevin Serna. The duo combined again in the second half when Serna provided an accurate cross for Agustin Canobbio, who extended the lead from the edge of the six-yard box just after the hour mark.

Fortaleza managed to narrow the gap in the 73rd minute. Breno Lopez capitalized on a pass from Allanzinho and converted from close range, adding tension to the final 20 minutes of the match. Despite the pressure, Fluminense held firm to secure their eighth win of the season, placing them 12 points ahead of 19th-placed Fortaleza in the 20-team standings.

Fluminense manager Renato Gaucho expressed his satisfaction post-match, stating, “We took another big step forward in the league today. At the same time, we’re still alive in the Copa do Brasil and Copa Libertadores. It’s taking a lot out of us and we have to make sure that we aren’t asking too much of our players. We aren’t prioritizing any particular competition but we want to advance in all three.”

Elsewhere in the Brazilian Serie A on Saturday, Bahia defeated Corinthians 2-1, Vitoria and Juventude played to a 2-2 draw, Sao Paulo and Sport Recife also drew 2-2, and Ceara secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Bragantino.