Palmeiras beat all-Brazilian rivals Fluminense 2-1 in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores semi-final on Wednesday at the Maracanã, taking a lead in the two-legged tie. The match is defined by Palmeiras’ efficiency on the counterattack, while Fluminense controls much of the early play.
Fluminense dominate possession in the first half, but Palmeiras break through with two goals. José “Flaco” López scores to make it 1-0 in the 45th minute, finishing a counterattack, and Marlon Freitas adds a second with a low shot from inside the box in the 85th minute. Fluminense respond with a goal, leaving the return leg still set up as a contest.
