Athletico Paranaense lost 3-1 to Vasco, and the afternoon ended with a costly red card for their top scorer. Kevin Viveros was sent off in the 31st minute of the second half after stamping on Cuiabano’s stomach following a challenge. The Colombian forward will miss the next round against league leaders Flamengo at the Maracanã.
A bizarre moment, and no reprieve
The incident came when Athletico were already trailing 3-1. Viveros tried to argue his case with referee Ramon Abatti Abel, but the official stood by the decision, showing him a straight red card without hesitation.
It was Viveros’s first dismissal in an Athletico shirt. It is also the club’s second red card in the Brasileirão this season, after Zapelli was sent off against Fluminense in the second round.
Form and the goalscoring race
The suspension adds to a difficult spell for Viveros. The Brasileirão’s leading scorer with 21 goals, he has now gone four matches without finding the net. That barren run has allowed Flamengo’s Pedro, who scored twice against Grêmio, to close the gap in the race for the Golden Boot. Pedro now has 20.
Arthur Dias also out
Athletico will also be without defender Arthur Dias for the trip to face Flamengo. He picked up his third yellow card in the defeat to Vasco, which triggered an automatic ban. Although he has been called up by Brazil for friendlies against Japan and Singapore, he would probably have missed the match against the league leaders in any case.
Table implications
Athletico remain fifth with 54 points, but they could be overtaken by Bahia by the end of the round.
Source: ge.globo.com
