Fluminense x Cruzeiro faced each other on Wednesday night (20), at Maracanã, in a duel valid for the 24th round of the Brazilian Championship. The match was marked by tough plays, heavy fouls and a lot of competition between the two teams. Playing at home, Tricolor had difficulties and came up against Raposa’s defense. Until Leo Fernández appeared. The Uruguayan midfielder scored a beautiful free kick and was decisive in the 1-0 victory for Fernando Diniz’s team.
In the 22nd minute of the second half, Leo Fernández scored a rare free kick and drove the Tricolors crazy, both at Maracanã and on social media. With great effect, the Uruguayan’s strike deceived goalkeeper Rafael Cabral, who took a step to the opposite side of the ball and ended up being sold on the move. See some reactions to the painting of shirt 17:
LEO FERNANDEZ IS A SUPER CRACK
— julia (@carameixx) September 21, 2023
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL GOAL
— pri (@prii_ffc) September 21, 2023
WHAT A GOLAÇOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
— wlᶠᶠᶜ (@WillPereiraSan1) September 21, 2023
IT’S THE URUGUAIAN SKIN DOESN’T HAVE JEIRO
— carlosk1n⁵ (@carlosk1n) September 21, 2023
Who is Leo Fernández?
Revealed by Fénix, from Uruguay, Leo Fernández debuted in 2015 for the team’s professionals. He left the club in 2019, having scored an excellent 12 goals in 15 games. Negotiated with Tigres, from Mexico, the Uruguayan midfielder ended up not being used much in the team and was loaned in the same season to the Universidad de Chile.
In the Chilean team, Leo had few opportunities and ended up on the corner. Thus, he left for another loan, this time at Tolouca, lasting six months. After this period, he returned to Tigres, but was permanently traded to Diablos Rojos (Tolouca’s nickname), where he was until he transferred to Fluminense also on loan. Last season, the Uruguayan scored 10 goals and provided 12 assists in 39 games.
Since arriving at Tricolor Carioca, Leo Fernández has played 11 games. The free kick against Cruzeiro was the Uruguayan player’s first with the Laranjeiras team’s shirt.
Fluminense and Cruzeiro campaigns in the Brasileirão
Fluminense and Cruzeiro live in completely different situations in the Brazilian Championship. With the victory over Raposa, Tricolor reached 41 points, surpassed Flamengo and now occupies fourth place in the competition. In 24 rounds played, the Laranjeiras club has recorded 12 wins, five draws and seven defeats so far.
Cruzeiro, in turn, is having an average campaign in the Brasileirão. There are 29 points won, seven wins, eight draws and nine setbacks. With a new coach (Zé Ricardo), Raposa aims to remain in the first division and perhaps qualify for some international competition.
Fluminense’s next games
- Fluminense x Internacional – Copa Libertadores (semi-final – first leg) – Maracanã – Wednesday (27), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time);
- Cuiabá x Fluminense – Brazilian Championship – Arena Pantanal – Saturday (30), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time);
- Internacional x Fluminense – Copa Libertadores (semi-final – return) – Beira-Rio – Wednesday (04/10), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time)
Cruzeiro’s next games
- Cruzeiro x América-MG – Brazilian Championship – Mineirão – Sunday (01/10), at 4pm (Brasília time);
- Cuiabá x Cruzeiro – Brazilian Championship – Arena Pantanal – Sunday (08/10), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time);
- Cruzeiro x Flamengo – Brazilian Championship – Mineirão – Thursday (10/19), at 7pm (Brasília time)