Fluminense secured a spot in the Campeonato Carioca final by drawing 1-1 with Vasco in the semifinal return leg at Maracanã on Sunday (March 1). Robert Renan scored for Vasco in the first half, while Paulo Henrique Ganso equalized from the penalty spot in the second half, sealing a 2-1 aggregate win after a 1-0 victory in the first leg.
The Campeonato Carioca semifinal return leg between Fluminense and Vasco, held at Maracanã on Sunday (March 1), ended in a 1-1 draw, securing Fluminense's advancement to the final with an aggregate score of 2-1. In the first leg, the Tricolor had won 1-0.
The match started intensely, with Fluminense awarded a penalty in the first minute after Barros fouled Canobbio. Renê took the kick but shot wide. Vasco countered dangerously, but David headed over. At the 33rd minute, the visitors nearly scored with a deflected shot that hit the post. From the ensuing corner, Saldívia headed, Fábio saved, and Robert Renan tapped in the rebound at the 37th minute of the first half.
The second half was tense, marked by numerous fouls and limited creativity in attacks. At the 23rd minute, Andrés Gómez won a penalty against Freytes, but Brenner’s effort was saved by Fábio. Later, at the 38th minute, after a handball by Barros on Martinelli's header confirmed by VAR, Paulo Henrique Ganso converted from the spot to level the score.
Statistically, Fluminense held 56% possession, with eight shots (one on target), compared to Vasco's 44% and 13 attempts (four on goal). Fluminense will face the winner of Flamengo vs. Madureira, playing on Monday (March 2) at 9 p.m., in the final on March 8. Vasco returns to action on March 12 against Palmeiras in the Brasileirão, at 7:30 p.m. in São Januário.
