Fluminense faced Santos on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the iconic Maracanã Stadium in a highly anticipated clash during the third round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. The match kicked off at 19h30, with Fluminense arriving in high spirits after a stunning 5-0 victory over San José, while Santos was still on the hunt for their first win of the season following a disappointing loss to Vasco and a draw against Bahia.
The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stands, eager to see if Fluminense could maintain their momentum against a struggling Santos side. The referee for the evening was Felipe Fernandes de Lima, assisted by Felipe Alan Costa de Oliveira and Celso Luiz da Silva, with VAR overseen by Rafael Traci.
As the match got underway, it quickly became evident that Fluminense was in control, dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities. The home team showcased their attacking prowess, with Canobbio and Arias leading the charge. In the early minutes, Canobbio made a strong run into the box but was brought down, sparking claims for a penalty from the Fluminense players. However, the referee waved play on, much to the dismay of the home crowd.
Santos struggled to find their rhythm during the first half, with their best chance coming from Thaciano, whose cross was cleared by the Fluminense defense. The visitors were unable to mount a serious threat, as Fluminense's defense held firm. Neymar, who was on the bench, was a focal point of conversation among fans and commentators alike, as many speculated about when he would make his debut in the Campeonato Brasileiro.
As the first half progressed, Fluminense continued to press, and their efforts paid off in the 41st minute when they finally broke the deadlock. A well-placed cross from Arias found the head of striker Germán Cano, who directed the ball past Santos' goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão, sending the home fans into a frenzy. The goal was a testament to Fluminense's dominance in the match, and they went into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
The second half began with Santos making tactical substitutions, bringing on Neymar, Deivid, and Soteldo in hopes of turning the tide. Neymar's entrance was met with raucous cheers from the visiting supporters, who were eager to see their star player in action. However, Fluminense's defense remained resolute, and the team continued to create chances, with Cano nearly doubling their lead shortly after the restart.
Despite Santos' attempts to rally, Fluminense was relentless. Neymar, now on the pitch, faced a barrage of fouls, as defenders were keen to disrupt his flow. In one instance, he was brought down by Leo Godoy, resulting in a yellow card for the Santos defender. The match became increasingly physical, with both teams exchanging hard tackles and heated moments.
As the clock ticked down, Fluminense maintained their pressure, pushing for a second goal to secure the win. Santos, desperate for an equalizer, pushed forward, but their efforts were met with solid defending from Fluminense, who expertly absorbed the pressure. In the dying minutes, Fluminense's goalkeeper Fábio made a crucial save from a long-range effort by Bernal, keeping their lead intact.
As the match entered stoppage time, Fluminense continued to dictate the play, with the crowd urging them on. The final whistle blew, confirming Fluminense's hard-fought 1-0 victory over Santos. The win not only marked a significant moment for Fluminense, solidifying their strong start to the season, but it also left Santos still searching for their first victory.
Post-match, Fluminense's coach praised his team's performance, highlighting their ability to maintain composure and control throughout the match. "We played well as a unit today, and it’s important to keep this momentum going as we move forward in the league," he stated. The victory places Fluminense in a promising position early in the Campeonato Brasileiro, while Santos will need to regroup and find a way to capitalize on their opportunities in the upcoming matches.
As the season unfolds, the stakes will only get higher, and both teams will be looking to build on their respective performances. Fluminense will aim to carry this momentum into their next fixture, while Santos will be eager to turn their fortunes around and secure their first points in the league. The excitement of the Brasileirão is palpable, and fans are left eagerly anticipating what’s next in this thrilling campaign.
