Flamengo’s winless run stretched to four matches at the weekend as they were held to a goalless draw by Vasco da Gama in the Brazilian Campeonato. Vanderlei Luxemburgo’s side had Welinton sent off before half-time and were unable to find a winning goal to send them top of the table.
Corinthians still lead the way at the summit by one point from Flamengo despite losing 2-1 at Palmeiras. Emerson gave Corinthians the lead in the 18th minute but Luan and debutant Fernandao both struck to give the hosts all three points. The match was marred by a shooting before kick-off that saw two Palmeiras fans injured, one of them seriously, as clashes occurred on the streets outside the stadium. Police had to fire rubber bullets to prevent the trouble escalating and said it was not clear yet who was responsible for the shooting.
Third-placed Sao Paulo drew their fourth successive league match, this time 1-1 against local rivals Santos, despite seeing midfielder Carlinhos Paraiba dismissed in just the 27th minute. Brazilian international Lucas scored a superb solo goal to put Sao Paulo ahead before half-time – dribbling around a couple of defenders and then firing a shot into the corner. However, another Brazilian starlet, Ganso, rescued a point for Santos in the 86th minute when he drilled a powerful shot into the back of the net.
Walter Montillo scored a late winner to give Cruzeiro a 2-1 win over rivals rival Atletico Mineiro in Sete Lagoas. Mineiro, who have now lost their last five league matches, looked to have rescued a point when Fillipe Soutto replied to Montillo’s early strike. However, the Argentine struck again with three minutes remaining to secure all three points for the visitors.
Elkeson and Lucas both scored in the second-half to help Botafogo come from behind and beat Fluminense 2-1 away from home – Fred scoring for the hosts.
Avai also staged a comeback on the road to beat Figueirense 3-2, with William their star man. Ygor and Julio Cesar struck for Avai either side of a goal from Lincoln to give the hosts a 2-1 lead. However, they couldn’t hold on to their lead and William scored twice to give the visitors the win.
Gremio climbed clear of the bottom four with a 2-1 win over Internacional thanks to goals from Marquinhos and Douglas.
Elsewhere, Coritiba drew 1-1 with Atletico Paranaense in Curitiba and Atletico Goianiense beat basement side America 2-1.
