Fortaleza beats Atlético-MG and gets closer to leaving the relegation zone in the Brazilian Championship.

In the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship since the tenth round, Fortaleza took an important step in the mission to remain in the first division. This Sunday (30), Leão do Pici defeated Atlético-MG 1-0 at Arena Castelão, in a delayed match from the 35th round.

The Tricolor de Aço (Bahia) remains in the Z4 (the bottom four teams that are relegated to Série B) but is experiencing its best moment in the competition. The team, managed by Martín Palermo, now has an eight-game unbeaten streak and three consecutive victories. The Ceará team, in 18th place, has 40 points, one less than Santos, the first club outside the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Atlético Mineiro remains with 45 points, in 13th position, with a remote chance of relegation.

More present in attack during the first 45 minutes, Fortaleza took the lead. In the 40th minute, Breno Lopes entered the area on the left and crossed low to fellow striker Adam Bareiro, who backheeled the ball to Tomás Pochettino. The midfielder had time to control the ball and finish into the right corner of goalkeeper Everson’s net. In the second half, Atlético-MG pushed forward and conceded dangerous counterattacks to Leão do Pici, but the net at Arena Castelão didn’t shake again.

Fortaleza returns to the field on Wednesday (2), at 7 pm (Brasília time), to face Corinthians, again in the capital of Ceará, for the 37th round. On the same day, at 9:30 pm, Atlético-MG visits Palmeiras at Allianz Parque, in São Paulo, in a delayed match from the 34th round.