RIO DE JANEIRO (SW) - Fluminense received another big hit on Saturday, losing 1-3 to Cruzeiro at home. 'Flu' seriously begin risking relegation from the Brazilian Serie A.

Having won only three of fourteen matches, Fluminense knew that another bad result against Cruzeiro would make things very difficult for the Rio outfit.

Cruzeiro have been doing better so far and began today's match in fourth place, behind Gremio, Flamengo and Vitoria Salvador.

The match had a good start for Fluminense as club top scorer Washington converted a penalty after just ten minutes.

But Cruzeiro turned things around late in the first half with goals from Guilherme and Fabricio. The decider came from Wagner in the 91st minute.

The frustration was too much for Flu's Luiz Alberto, who was red-carded in injury time and will have to watch the next match from the stands.

Things have been going down hill for Fluminense this year despite reaching the final in the Copa Libertadores. Finishing third in 2007, the team are now only two points ahead of last placed Santos FC with fifteen matches played.