Atletico leave Fluminense on edge of drop zone

Fluminense's hopes of avoiding relegation to Brazil's Serie B football came crashing down with a 2-2 draw against Atletico Mineiro.

Former Brazil international striker Diego Tardelli opened the scoring for the visitors before Gum and Biro Biro gave Fluminense the lead just after halftime at the Maracana stadium here Saturday night, reports Xinhua.

Substitute Alecsandro then struck eight minutes from time to leave the Rio de Janeiro outfit depending on other results to remain in the top division.

Atletico Mineiro are now sixth in the Campeonato Brasileiro standings while Fluminense, last year's champions, have slipped to 16th.,

With one round remaining, Fluminense are a point clear of the drop zone but with one match less to play than their rivals.

In Saturday's other match, 10-man Internacional held Corinthians to a 0-0 draw at the Pacaembu stadium in Sao Paulo.

Midfielder Willians was dismissed just before the hour for a second yellow card in less than 10 minutes.