10-man Fluminense holds off Botafogo

Alsharq Tribune-M.Essam 

Argentine midfielder Luciano Acosta scored in the second half as 10-man Fluminense edged to a 1-0 home win over Botafogo in Brazil's Serie A on Thursday.

Acosta put his side ahead in the 55th minute with a close-range header after his initial effort was blocked by goalkeeper Neto.

The hosts were reduced to 10 men on the hour when Uruguayan playmaker Agustin Canobbio was shown a second yellow card for violent conduct.

Botafogo looked dangerous in the closing minutes but couldn't find a way past 45-year-old goalkeeper Fabio, who made five saves.

The result at the Maracana leaves Fluminense third in the standings with seven points from three games while Botafogo is 11th with three points.

Elsewhere in Brazil's top flight, Corinthians won 2-0 at home to Bragantino, Atletico Paranaense secured a 2-1 home victory over Santos and Palmeiras prevailed 3-1 at Internacional.