Fábio Deivson Lopes Maciel, the 45-year-old goalkeeper, played a crucial role in helping Fluminense secure a spot in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals on Tuesday (18). After a tense 1-1 draw in regular time—highlighted by a goal conceded at the 96th minute following a VAR review—the Tricolor triumphed in a dramatic penalty shootout.

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Lucho Acosta missed his penalty kick, sending it over the bar, but the veteran goalkeeper Fábio made two vital saves, leading Fluminense to a 5-4 victory.

The match proved intense as Fluminense faced adversity, including going down to 10 men, frustrating moments in stoppage time, and a comeback during the penalty shootout.

Highlights coming soon.

Limited Scoring Opportunities

Despite controlling possession with 68%, Fluminense struggled to create significant scoring threats. Soteldo lacked support on the left wing, failing to impact the game.

The team aimed to manage the match, but their efforts lacked the creativity needed to penetrate a defensively solid opponent. Rivadavia sought to exploit limited counterattacking opportunities but could not make an impact, failing even to challenge Fábio’s goal.

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Tensions Rise for Fluminense

Fluminense’s strategies faltered in the 13th minute of the second half when Canobbio, already booked, received another yellow card and was sent off. Coach Marcão opted to substitute Ganso and Hulk, introducing Lucho and Serna for a quicker attacking approach.

Cristiano Sernaldo Shines

Following the red card, Fluminense adjusted by dropping deeper and focusing on counterattacks, which bore fruit in the 76th minute when a long pass from Hércules found Serna, who made a decisive contribution.

VAR Influences Match Outcome

The turning point came when a ball entered the Tricolor’s penalty area. Studer connected with it first, and it struck Ignácio’s arm as he attempted to pull it away. Initially signaled as offside, the referee reversed the decision after VAR intervention, awarding a penalty kick.

Top scorer Arce stepped up and converted the penalty, equalizing the match at 1-1 in the 96th minute.

Fábio’s Heroics Seal Victory

Despite Fluminense’s initial momentum, they faced pressure as Lucho Acosta’s penalty went awry. However, goalkeeper Fábio emerged as the hero of the shootout, denying attempts from Florentín and Atencio, ultimately securing the win and advancement.

Looking Ahead

Fluminense awaits the outcome of the matchup between Coquimbo Unido and Platense, who will compete again on Wednesday (19) following a 1-1 draw in Argentina. Potential semifinal opponents include LDU, Mirassol, Cerro Porteño, or Palmeiras.

Meanwhile, Fluminense will return to action in the Brasileirão on Saturday (22), currently positioned fourth, and will face Remo, who sits in 18th place, at the Maracanã.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

Fábio Deivson Lopes Maciel.

The never-ending 45-year-old goalkeeper made ALL THE DIFFERENCE for Fluminense to reach the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals this Tuesday (18).

After a 1-1 draw in regular time — including a goal conceded at 96′ after VAR intervention — Tricolor came out on top in the penalty shootout.

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Lucho Acosta blasted his effort over, but the Tricolor idol saved two spot-kicks to secure a 5-4 win.

Qualification that came after going down to 10 men, frustration in stoppage time, and a turnaround in the shootout.

Highlights coming soon.

There was a lack of real scoring chances…

Flu’s greater possession (68%) did not translate into pressure or major chances.

Without support, Soteldo failed to make a difference on the left, for example.

The idea of controlling the game worked well. But there was a lack of inspiration to break down a rival that was well organized without the ball.

Rivadavia, in turn, tried to take advantage of the rare spaces to counterattack.

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But it did not even manage to hit Fábio’s goal.

Tension at Flu 🟥

Tricolor’s game plan fell apart in the 13th minute of the second half after Canobbio, already on a yellow, picked up another and was sent off.

Marcão chose to take off Ganso and Hulk to ensure pace with Lucho and Serna.

‘Cristiano Sernaldo’ shines

Flu then dropped deeper and looked to counterattack.

And it paid off in the 76th minute.

Hércules’ long ball found Serna. And he delivered.

VAR changes the on-field decision

After the ball was sent into the Tricolor box, Studer hit it first time.

And the ball struck Ignácio’s right arm, as he was right on top of the play.

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And he was already pulling his arm back.

The referee signaled offside, but was called by VAR. He then came back and awarded the penalty.

Libertadores top scorer Arce stepped up and made it 1-1 in the 96th minute.

He is f%&@ing awesome!

Flu started well, but fell behind after Lucho Acosta blasted his penalty over.

But the Tricolor goalkeeper denied Florentín and Atencio.

And Tricolor booked its place in the quarterfinals with a 5-4 win.

What now❓

Fluminense now awaits the winner between Coquimbo Unido and Platense.

After a 1-1 draw in Argentina, the teams will face each other again this Wednesday (19).

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The possible semifinal opponent will be LDU, Mirassol, Cerro Porteño, or Palmeiras.

Tricolor will return to Brasileirão action on Saturday (22).

It is currently fourth and will face Remo (18th) at the Maracanã.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.