On June 28, 2024, Fluminense played their first game since the firing of Fernando Diniz.

The 1-0 loss against Vitória, a team from the northern Brazilian state of Salvador, was an alarming warning sign that even though the “Tricolor Carioca” fired their coach, they still have a long way to go before things calm down. 

The game, played in Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracanã Stadium, was part of the Brazilian league’s twelfth round and was sure to be a thriller since both teams are currently fighting against relegation.

Fluminense, led by interim coach Marcão, went into the match in their traditional 4-2-3-1 with Fabio in goal and Thiago Santos and Antônio Carlos as center-backs.

 The defensive flanks for the Tricolor Carioca were made up of Samuel Xavier and former Real Madrid left-back Marcelo.

 The five in the middle were Gabriel Pires and Matheus Martinelli behind, with David Terans, Ganso, and Keno in front of them. 

The sole striker for Fluminense was the Argentine striker Germán Cano.

The “Leão da Barra,” as Vitória is commonly referred to, went in with a very dynamic 4-1-4-1 formation.

 Managed by Thiago Carpini, Vitória had Alerrandro as their sole striker, with Osvaldo, Leo Naldi, Willian Oliveira, and Matheuzinho behind him.

 In between the lines of four was Luan Santos as the CDM, and Patric Calmon, Willian Lepo, Caio Vinicius, and Wagner Leonardo made up the defense for the team from Salvador. 

In goal for Vitória was Lucas Arcanjo.

The match was overall dominated by Fluminense, with the home team having more possession (63%), more total shots (12), and more corners (6). 

However, the higher possession percentage and greater number of shots didn’t reflect on good chances made since overall, throughout the game, Vitória had more clear chances and was the only one able to score a goal.

 The goal, which came in the dying seconds of the game, resulted from a well-executed counterattack that ended with former Botafogo striker Janderson putting in a powerful shot in Fabio’s right bottom corner, leaving the veteran goalkeeper with no chance.

The goal, which sealed Vitória’s victory in Rio, also guaranteed Fluminense’s extended stay in last place, something that is now starting to become a serious problem for the current Libertadores champions. 

With their next game being an away match against Grêmio on June 30, Fluminense will go in desperately needing a win.

 The match against Grêmio is sure to be very interesting, as Grêmio also finds themselves at the bottom of the table, with Fluminense being the only team below them in the standings. 

The match, which will occur this Sunday at 12:00 PM, is sure to be a dramatic encounter as both teams will fight tooth and nail for the 3 points they both need so badly.