Deco sets up two goals in Fluminense win

Rio de Janeiro - Deco set up two first-half goals to lead Rio de Janeiro giants Fluminense to a 3-1 victory over Volta Redonda in Brazil’s Campeonato Carioca football tournament.

Striker Samuel opened the scoring at the Raulino de Oliveira Stadium on Sunday by heading in a precise Deco corner kick and he made it 2-0 just before half time by again benefiting from a clever through ball by the former Portugal playmaker, reports Xinhua.

Leo Andrade reduced the deficit early in the second half by bundling in from close range before Marcos Junior scored Fluminense’s third after a slalom run into the penalty area.

Deco said he was satisfied with his first match of the year after recovering from a thigh injury.

“It was my first game of the season and I was able to participate in two of the goals,” said the 35-year-old, who was substituted in the 75th minute.

“I didn’t feel any effects of the injury and I could have played the entire match. I only came off as a precaution.”

In other Campeonato Carioca fixtures Sunday, Flamengo overcame rivals Botafogo 1-0 while Vasco da Gama defeated Audax 2-0.