BTN News: In a thrilling encounter that marked a turning point in their season, Fluminense finally managed to lift themselves out of the dreaded relegation zone with a crucial 0-2 victory over Atlético Mineiro. The match, held at Atlético Mineiro’s home ground, was a showcase of skill and determination, particularly from the Colombian duo, Kevin Serna and Jhon Arias, who were instrumental in securing the win for the Rio de Janeiro side. With this victory, Fluminense not only climbed out of the bottom four but also sent Vitória tumbling into the relegation spots, while Atlético Mineiro remained mired in mid-table obscurity. This victory comes at a crucial time, especially as these two teams are set to clash again in the upcoming quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores, adding even more significance to the result.
Kevin Serna, who has been steadily gaining form since his arrival at Fluminense in 2024, finally opened his scoring account for the club in this game. The 26-year-old Colombian winger was a constant threat down the left flank and his persistence paid off in the 22nd minute of the first half. After a dynamic run, Serna showcased his flair and composure by skillfully maneuvering past both a defender and the Atlético Mineiro goalkeeper before calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net. This was Serna’s first goal for Fluminense in what was his ninth appearance across both the Brazilian league (Brasileirão) and the Copa Libertadores.
The second goal came from another Colombian star, Jhon Arias, who has been a pivotal player for both Fluminense and the Colombian national team. Arias, known for his agility and precision, added to Fluminense’s lead in the 59th minute. He latched onto a long pass down the left side, deftly outmaneuvered a defender, and delivered a perfectly placed shot to the far post, leaving the Atlético Mineiro goalkeeper with no chance. This goal was Arias’s second in the current Brasileirão campaign, further solidifying his status as one of the key players in the squad.
The victory not only provided a much-needed boost to Fluminense’s morale but also had significant implications for the standings. By escaping the relegation zone, Fluminense can now focus on building momentum as they prepare for the high-stakes Copa Libertadores quarterfinal clash against Atlético Mineiro. Meanwhile, the defeat leaves Atlético Mineiro stuck in the middle of the table, with their hopes of climbing higher dimming as the season progresses.
Fluminense still has a game in hand, which could be crucial in their bid to solidify their place in the league and avoid a return to the bottom four. The performance of Kevin Serna and Jhon Arias in this match will undoubtedly give their fans hope that the team can continue to climb the table. As the season moves forward, the contributions of these Colombian players could prove to be decisive in Fluminense’s quest to stay clear of the relegation battle and make a deep run in the Copa Libertadores.
