Athletico-PR defeated Fortaleza 2-1 to go top of the table, in the Brazilian Nationals’ Series A ninth round on Saturday at Arena da Baixada. Terans and Matheus Babi scored in the first ten minutes of the first half, and Igor Torres made it 2-1 in the 86th minute for Fortaleza.
Athletico jumped off to a quick lead. Athletico dominated from the opening minute, with Terans scoring to give the hosts an early lead. Matheus Babi deflected a shot and scored the second goal in the ninth minute, giving Fortaleza no time to react.
With a header, Felipe attempted to pull one back for Fortaleza, but his effort was inches wide.
Vitinho fired in a dangerous strike two minutes later, which was initially thought to be a goal, but was later determined not to be a goal after a VAR review. Matheus Vargas made another attempt to get a goal for the visitors in the 28th minute, but the Athletico goalkeeper was alert to save him.
Fortaleza’s Juan Pablo Vojvoda made a substitution after the break, replacing Éderson with Ronald. Pikachu and Matheus Vargas threatened in the first few minutes of the last 45 minutes as a result of the changes. Twelve minutes later, Vojvoda made another substitution, bringing in David and Luiz Henrique.
Marcinho attempted a shot from outside the box in an attempt to score the third goal, but his effort fell short. Igor Torres scored a goal for Fortaleza in the 86th minute, but it was not enough to get a draw.
Athletico-PR will face Santos in the tenth round of Serie A on Tuesday, away from home. On Wednesday at Castelo, Fortaleza will face América-MG.
