Fluminense defeated Grêmio 2-1 at the Arena do Grêmio in a Brasileirão match on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Yeferson Soteldo scored both goals for the Tricolor, marking his first strikes of the year. The win keeps Fluminense in contention for a direct Libertadores spot.
The match started evenly, with Grêmio showing early intensity. At the 22nd minute of the first half, Samuel Xavier launched Luciano Acosta, who found Soteldo free after Thiago Volpi's error on the ball. The Venezuelan finished low to open the scoring, invoking the 'law of the ex' against his former club. The play was reviewed by VAR for possible offside but confirmed, boosting Fluminense's confidence.
With the lead, the Tricolor controlled the game, displaying tactical organization and intensity away from home. Grêmio had opportunities, like Pavón's crossed shot at the 27th minute, saved by Fábio, and André Henrique's finish ruled out for offside at the end of the first half.
In the second half, Fluminense extended quickly. At the 6th minute, Serna advanced on the left and set up Everaldo, who passed to Soteldo for a precise finish, making it 2-0 – his first brace for the club in 2025. Two minutes later, at the 8th, Willian took a corner and André Henrique headed in to pull one back, igniting the Arena.
Grêmio pushed forward, with André nutmegging Freytes and creating chances, plus three corners in stoppage time, but the score held. It was Soteldo's first goal of the season, following his last for Grêmio on October 26, 2024, against Atlético-GO.
Currently 5th, Fluminense aims for a direct spot in the Libertadores group stage, while 10th-placed Grêmio relies on Copa do Brasil outcomes for a chance. Fluminense's next match is against Bahia at Maracanã on Sunday (December 7), at 4 p.m.; Grêmio faces Sport at Ilha do Retiro at the same time.