Fred strike secures Fluminense win

Rio de Janeiro, Oct 26 (IANS) Former Brazil striker Fred scored in second-half injury time as Fluminense defeated Atletico Paranaense 2-1 in the Brazilian Serie A championship.

Cleberson appeared to earn the visitors an unlikely draw when he canceled out Wagner's opener with a 91st-minute header at the Maracana stadium Saturday, reported Xinhua.

But Fred regained the lead for the hosts, taking a touch to control Bruno Vieira's cross before lashing an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner.

The result kept alive the Rio de Janeiro club's hopes of a top-four finish, lifting them to 51 points - 10 behind leaders Cruzeiro - with seven games remaining. Atletico Paranaense are 11 points further back.

"We gave all we could for the entire match," Fred told TV Globo. "The fans were behind us throughout, even when Atletico pressured us in the second half. Their support helped us a lot."

Meanwhile, defending champions Cruzeiro were held to a 1-1 draw at Figueirense, Palmeiras drew 1-1 with rivals Corinthians, Atletico Mineiro beat Sport 3-2 and Gremio drew 1-1 at Coritiba.