Rio de Janeiro, Oct 13 (IANS) Rafael Sobis struck a 90th minute equaliser to earn 10-man Fluminense an unlikely 1-1 draw with Gremio in the Campeonato Brasileiro.
The former Real Betis and Brazil striker danced around three defenders before his left-footed drive fortuitously deflected in off Gremio centre-back Rhodolfo Saturday, reports Xinhua.
Bressan had given the visitors the lead just before halftime at the Maracana Stadium when he slotted in after Kleber’s header rebounded off the post.
The reigning champions were reduced to 10 men in the 73rd minute when teenage forward Biro Biro was shown his second yellow card for simulation.
Fluminense coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo praised his team’s ability to lift their intensity following Biro’s dismissal but criticised the decision by referee Alicio Pena Jnr.
“That wasn’t a sending off. It was a normal clash that is part of football and he (the referee) ended up showing a card,” the former Brazil and Real Madrid coach said.
The result leaves Fluminense 13th in the standings with 35 points while Gremio remain second on 28 points.
In other matches, Vitoria defeated Coritiba 2-1 and Santos overcame Ponte Preta by the same scoreline.