Fluminense suffered a 3-1 defeat to Atlético-MG at Arena MRV in Belo Horizonte, in a match valid for the Brasileirão. The tricolor team went with a practically reserve team, keeping only goalkeeper Fábio and striker Canobbio among the starters. With the result, Fluminense remains in fourth place in the championship with 45 points and lost a nine-game unbeaten streak in the national competition.
Atlético-MG, with the victory, added 39 points and moved up to seventh place in the table. The Minas Gerais team also faces an important decision next week, when they will define a spot in the Copa Sul-Americana semifinals, which explains the use of a mixed team by the coach.
The decision to rest the main players was made by interim coach Marcão after the 2-0 victory over Platense, for the Libertadores quarterfinals first leg. Fluminense secured a good advantage and can advance with a draw or even a one-goal defeat. The second leg is scheduled for next Tuesday in Argentina.
Despite the possibility of getting closer to the Brasileirão leaders and still dreaming of the title, the club made it clear that its main focus at the moment is on Libertadores qualification. The priority is to secure a spot in the semifinals of the continental competition.
