Comeback victory: Fluminense takes the lead from BVB
Despite a 25-to-10 shot count and 70 percent possession, Fluminense struggled for a long time to secure the three points against Ulsan HD. But in the end, they secured a comeback victory, setting up a long-distance clash with Borussia Dortmund for first place on the final matchday of the group stage.
Freytes (left) put Fluminense on the road to victory in the 83rd minute. IMAGO/Brazil Photo Press
The nearly 30,000 spectators at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey probably didn't regret their decision to attend the Group F match between top Brazilian club Fluminense and South Korean champions Ulsan HD. In the second minute, Ganso created a double chance, and South Korean goalkeeper Jo made two flying saves, setting the stage for an entertaining 90 minutes.
The fans had to wait almost half an hour for the first goal, however, before Arias perfectly curled a free kick from just over 20 meters into the top right corner to give Fluminense the lead. The reward for the Brazilians' clear superiority, who again tested the capable South Korean keeper through Fuentes (30th) and Guga (31st).
Ulsan HD had barely left their own half up to this point, but then struck with icy coolness. From their own half, Um, outnumbered, skillfully delivered a low ball into the middle from the right. The ball slid through to J. Lee, completely unmarked at the far post, who slotted it home from a tight angle (37'). Shortly before halftime, the South Koreans added another: Fluminense failed to clear the ball properly, and this time J. Lee crossed the ball into the middle for Um, who turned the game around with a header (45'+3').
In the final phase, Fluminense turns the gameUm almost shocked the Brazilians again in the second half, but when he appeared alone in front of the opponent's goal in the 56th minute, he hesitated a little too long and ultimately fired a shot wide on the turn. It came back to haunt him.
Substitute Nonato equalized in the 66th minute, to the frenzied celebrations of the Brazilian fans. Immediately after the restart, Cano missed a good chance to take the lead with a diving header. The Brazilians had to wait until the 83rd minute for that chance: Freytes blasted the ball over the line in the scramble following a corner, and Keno sealed the comeback victory with a header in stoppage time (90+2).
| stadium | MetLife Stadium |
| Viewers | 29,321 |
This meant that Fluminese took the lead in Group F from Borussia Dortmund , with a one-goal better goal difference. Both clubs will battle for first place on Wednesday's final matchday. BVB will face already-eliminated Ulsan HD, while Fluminese will face Mamelodi Sundowns, who, in third place and just one point behind, also still have hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
River Plate and Inter have to trembleThings remain exciting in Group E, where River Plate could only manage a goalless draw against Monterrey on Sunday night, thus missing out on an early ticket to the round of 16. Next up, the Argentinians face Champions League finalists Inter Milan, who are level on points; Monterrey could still jump into one of the top two places if they are two points behind.
