Serie A: Ten-man Fluminense FC beat Bahia, rise to third

RIO DE JANEIRO: Lele and Gabriel Pirani struck second-half goals as Fluminense FC came from behind to secure a 2-1 home victory over Bahia in Brazil’s Serie A championship on Sunday.

Vinicius Mingotti gave the visitors the lead just before the half hour as he combined with Kayky Chagas before slotting a shot past goalkeeper Danilo Fernandes on the counterattack.

Fluminense’s fortunes went from bad to worse when center-back Marcilio Mota was shown a straight red card for bringing down Mingotti in the 34th minute, a Xinhua report said.

But the hosts emerged from the halftime interval with renewed verve and Lele equalized by sending a looping header into an unguarded net after some chaotic Bahia defending.

Pirani completed the turnaround shortly after with a low finish past goalkeeper Fabio Maciel following Keno’s pass.

The result at the Maracana stadium leaves Fluminense with 21 points from 12 games, six points behind leaders Botafogo. Bahia are 14th in the 20-team standings, nine points further back.

In other Brazilian Serie A fixtures on Sunday, Athletico Paranaense won 1-0 at home to Corinthians, Fortaleza edged to a 2-1 home win over Atletico Mineiro and Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 home victory over Sao Paulo. (IANS)

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