Title Race Goes Down to Wire as Top Three All Win; Guarani Relegated

The penultimate round of the 2010 Brasileirão saw all twenty clubs play simultaneously on Sunday evening. Leaders Fluminense and third placed Cruzeiro both came from behind to record wins, meaning that the title will be decided in the final rodada. Corinthians (who also picked up a victory) sit just one point behind Flu, with Cruzeiro a further point back. The battle for the final Libertadores spot (which will only be in play if Goiás fail to win the Copa Sul-americana final...I hope you're paying attention at the back) will also be resolved next week, as both Grêmio and Botafogo claimed maximum points. Things are a bit clearer at the bottom, where Guarani have now joined Grêmio Prudente and Goiás in being relegated to Série B. Atlético Mineiro are now safe, as are Flamengo and Avaí barring some cricket scores next week. That leaves only Vitória and Atlético-GO fighting it out for the sanctuary of 16th place; conveniently, those two will play each other next Sunday.

Palmeiras 1-2 Fluminense
Just like last week, Fluminense travelled to São Paulo to face a bitter rival of title challengers Corinthians. Just like last week, the fans of that team had spent most of the build-up to the game pleading their side to roll over and gift Flu the points. Just like last week, the home side's goal was greeted with a communal "WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?" rather than genuine celebration. And just like last week, Fluminense eventually ran out comfortable winners, one step closer to a historic title.

If anything, the sense of inevitability surrounding this match was even more palpable than that which preceded the São Paulo game. Palmeiras players and staff were bitterly disappointed to lose their Copa Sul-americana semi-final with Goiás, and spent most of the week moaning about how demotivated they were for this clash. Luiz Felipe Scolari, though, contrary to expectations, fielded a strong side, including key players Kléber and Marcos Assunção. Fluminense, for the first time in months, boasted a full-strength attack; the quartet of Fred, Emerson, Deco, and Conca were able to start a match together for the first time.

Carlinhos (right) salutes the crowd after his equaliser.

Within minutes of kick-off, Palmeiras (decked out in a kit that made them look like the Ireland rugby team) went ahead. Some careless Tricolor defending allowed Dinei to steal the ball, before unleashing an impeccable half-volley into the top corner of Ricardo Berna's goal from 30 yards. A true golaço, and one which briefly suggested that this could be a closely-fought battle. What followed however, was total dominance by Fluminense. The visitors spurned a flurry of chances over the following minutes; Emerson saw his header come back off the bar, and Deco and Fred both wasted presentable chances. An equaliser soon arrived, though, and it was Carlinhos who made the breakthrough. The left-back made space for himself on the edge of the box before curling the ball neatly into the far corner.

Muricy Ramalho's side continued to boss things until the half-time whistle, but, as so often recently, lacked the ruthlessness that would have seen them rack up a hatful of goals; chances came and went for Fred, Conca, Emerson and Gum. The start of the second half followed much the same pattern, and eventually Fluminense bagged their second. Tartá, on as a sub for the injured Deco, collected a rebound and coolly beat Deola in the Palmeiras goal. That was the end of the contest; players from both sides spent the remaining thirty minutes jogging round, occasionally trying half-hearted passes to their teammates. Palmeiras forward Kléber, for instance, usually such a hard-worker, could barely even be bothered to disguise his lack of interest. It was a disappointingly predictable end to the match, but Fluminense will have no complaints; they remain in the box seat ahead of their final game against Guarani.

Gameweek 37 Round-up
Corinthians kept the pressure on Fluminense with a routine 2-0 win over Vasco in front of a rapturous crowd at the Pacaembu. The Timão went ahead when Bruno César's speculative cannoned off Dedé and slid under the body of Fernando Prass. It was the midfielder's 14th goal of the campaign. The victory was sealed in the second period, when Roberto Carlos' tempting cross was converted by Danilo at the far post. Corinthians will travel to play Goiás next week, hoping their rivals slip up.

Vasco's Zé Roberto is watched by Dentinho and Roberto Carlos.

Despite going behind to Diego Maurício's early strike (a simple finish after a lovely Diogo pass), Cruzeiro proved too much for Flamengo, claiming a 2-1 victory. Roger's deflected free-kick brought the Raposa level, before Thiago Ribeiro nodded home Walter Montillo's inch-perfect cross. Cruzeiro's local rivals Atlético Mineiro finally secured their Série A survival with a 3-1 win over Goiás at the Arena do Jacaré. Diego Souza slotted the Galo into an early lead, before Éverton Santos flicked home a clever equaliser. Dorival Júnior's men were not to be denied however; Renan Oliveira and Diego Tardelli both added emphatic finishes to seal the win. Much credit must be given to Dorival for turning round the club's fortunes since his arrival in September.

Botafogo earnt their first win in five games, overcoming Grêmio Prudente at the Engenhão. Prolific centre-back Antônio Carlos headed home his seventh of the season from a Lúcio Flávio corner to give O Glorioso the lead, before Edno rifled home a spectacular second. Willian José reduced the arrears with a fine lone-range strike, but Marcelo Cordeiro's spot kick put the game to bed. Joel Santana's men, though, must beat Grêmio in their final match in order to claim the final Libertadores spot, after the Porto Alegre side brushed aside Guarani. André Lima's simple header put the Tricolor ahead, before Jonas converted a penalty and young striker Diego added a breakaway third in the final minutes.

A hattrick from diminutive midfielder Caio inspired Florianópolis side Avaí to a stunning comeback victory over Santos. Some magical skill from Neymar allowed Keirrison to bundle home the opener, and Neymar himself put the Peixe two goals to the good with a typically cool finish. From there on in, however, Santos were forced to take a front row seat for the Caio show. The 30-year-old skipped past five challenges to knock home a glorious first, before smashing home two unstoppable drives from the edge of the area, one with either foot. It was a lovely way to ensure the club's continued Série A status.

Elias (left) celebrates his vital goal for Atlético-GO.

The remaining three games all finished as 1-1 draws. Rafael Santos gave Atlético Paranaense the lead over Ceará, but the Fortaleza club equalised thanks to Magno Alves' heavily deflected effort. At the Beira-Rio, it was Adaílton who smashed Vitória into the lead against Inter, only for Rafael Sobis to spare the Colorado's blushes with a well-taken solo goal. São Paulo took the lead in their clash with Atlético Goianiense when Rogério tucked home a penalty, but were pegged back by Elias' scuffed finish. Those results mean that Vitória's game against Atlético-GO is a straight shootout for survival. Vitória need to win that match; a draw would see Atlético survive due to having scored more goals, even though the teams have the same goal difference.

Results; Atlético-GO 1-1 São Paulo, Corinthians 2-0 Vasco, Internacional 1-1 Vitória, Flamengo 1-2 Cruzeiro, Atlético-MG 3-1 Goiás, Avaí 3-2 Santos, Palmeiras 1-2 Fluminense, Guarani 0-3 Grêmio, Ceará 1-1 Atlético-PR, Botafogo 3-1 Grêmio Prudente.

(Photo credits; (1) Ivan Storti, (2) Eduardo Viana, (3) Carlos Costa.)

Goiás Stun Palmeiras to Reach Copa Sul-Americana Final

Having won the away leg 1-0 last week, Palmeiras were considered favourites to advance from their all-Brazilian Copa Sul-americana semi-final with Goiás. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was clearly prioritising the competition; frequently resting his side's star players in recent Série A matches so as to keep them fresh for this game. Goiás, however, tore up the scipt last night, coming from behind to dump the Verdão out of the tournament.

In front of a packed Pacaembu, the hosts took control early on; Tinga rattled the post with a powerful drive, and Luan tested Goiás 'keeper Harlei. With half an hour gone, Palmeiras broke the deadlock; Edinho lofted a lovely diagonal pass for Luan, who held off his marker before volleying into the far corner. The goal have the São Paulo side a 2-0 aggegate advantage, leaving Goiás with plenty to do. Their task was made easier with a slightly fortuitous goal on the stroke of halftime; Carlos Alberto's close range header took a heavy deflection off Tinga, and beat Deola in the Palmeiras goal.

Despair for Palmeiras forward Luan (left), as the Goiás players celebrate.

Palmeiras had their share of chances in the second period, with Kléber in particular guilty of some wasteful finishing. Their profligacy would be punished by Goiás, who scored their crucial second goal with ten minutes remaining. Marcão's cross from the left was headed back across goal by Rafael Moura, giving Ernando the easiest of finishes. The entire Pacaembu fell silent, stunned at the away side's comeback. Palmeiras tried to recover in the final minutes, but the dye was cast; Goiás progress to the final on away goals. They will meet either LDU Quito or Independiente, who will settle their semi-final this evening.

Result; Palmeiras 1-2 Goiás (2-2 on aggregate; Goiás win on away goals).

(Photo credit; Ari Ferreira.)

Fluminense Back on Top After Beating São Paulo; Neymar Nets Three for Santos

The Série A season took another twist this weekend, only the latest of hundreds over the past 36 rounds. Corinthians were held by Vitória, allowing Muricy Ramalho's Fluminense to regain top spot with a win over São Paulo. Cruzeiro sealed their Libertadores place with a comfortable victory over Vasco, while Grêmio snuck into fourth. At the other end, there were vital wins for Avaí, Atlético-MG, and Flamengo.

São Paulo 1-4 Fluminense
The lead-up to Sunday's game at the Arena Bareuri had seen a group of ardent São Paulo fans call for their team to lose this match, allowing Fluminense to overtake their bitter rivals Corinthians at the head of the Brasileirão. In truth, the campaign way made with tongue firmly in cheek, but one may have wondered, at full time, whether a few of the home players hadn't missed a midweek memo; the Tricolor Paulista rolled over like a playful kitten in the second half, allowing their sub-par opponents to take the spoils.

Flu were boosted by the fitness of Fred and Deco, who added some much-needed attacking weight to the side alongside Darío Conca and Washington. For São Paulo, young forward Lucas Gaúcho earnt a start after scoring against Vasco, replacing Dagoberto. The visitors dominated possession in the opening period, but once again lacked a cutting edge; Washington was guilty of a handful of misses, and Fred struggled to get into the game. When Fluminense did finally break the deadlock, they had a defender to thank; Gum rose highest to nod home Conca's corner.

Right said Fred; the former Lyon striker netted in Fluminense's win.

Hero, though, turned villain early in the second half; Gum diverted Jean's cross past Ricardo Berna for the equaliser. What followed was a period of real frustration for Flu; they continued to boss play in midfield, yet looked utterly toothless in attack. Luckily for them, a couple of São Paulo players were in a generous mood; both Xandão and Richarlyson were dismissed within a ten-minute period (the first for hauling down Fred, the latter for being a whining, swearing child). With a two-man advantage, Fluminense suddenly had the space they needed, and Darío Conca (who else?!) took the game by the scruff of the neck. The Argentine neatly volleyed home his side's second, before later adding a powerful fourth. Those strikes sandwiched a goal by Fred, who finally benefitted from the kind of inexplicable fumble that Rogério Ceni had been making all game. An odd match, and hardly a Fluminense performance that warranted a 4-1 scoreline. Muricy Ramalho's men, nonetheless, are now in pole position for the title.

Gameweek 36 Round-up
Whilst Fluminense were huffing and puffing to blow down São Paulo's straw house, Corinthians were having more significant troubles. The Timão went ahead against Vitória thanks to Danilo, who ran onto Ronaldo's clever pass before bundling past the 'keeper, but things quickly fell apart for Tite's side. Ronaldo limped off with what looked like a hamstring pull, and a penalty from Leão goalkeeper Viáfara ensured that the points were shared. Corinthians now need Fluminense to slip up in the final games.

Grêmio look the best bet to seal fourth spot (and the Libertadores spot it brings), after a convincing win over Atlético Paranaense. Neuton put the Porto Alegre side ahead with a nice individual effort, but then cost his side a penalty, which Paulo Baier duly smashed home for the Furacão. Grêmio, though, were not to be denied, and earnt a penalty of their own when Edílson was felled by Rhodolfo. Douglas coolly stroked it home, before Diego added a third late on. Botafogo, meanwhile, slipped down to sixth with a 2-1 loss to Internacional. Andrezinho volleyed home to give Inter the lead, and Rafael Sobis flicked home a second. Antônio Carlos' emphatic finish would prove to be little more than a consolation for Joel Santana's men.

Neuton's laws; the Grêmio defender (right) clearly enjoyed his goal.

In front of a measly 842 fans at the Prudentão, Grêmio Prudente and Ceará battled to a 1-1 draw. Rhayner powered home the opener for the Abelha, before Geraldo levelled with a late penalty. Flamengo scraped a much-needed win over Guarani, a win that should ensure their safety. Renato Abreu's marvellous free-kick set the Rubro-Negro on their way, only for Baiano equalise directly from a corner (that's the third gol olímpico in as many weeks, incidentally; a fact that probably says more about Brazilian goalkeepers than it does about corner takers). Flamengo's Drogbinha da Gávea, Diego Maurício, came up trumps, though; drilling home after Diogo's pass. Breathing space for Vanderlei Luxemburgo's men.

Luxemburgo's previous employers, too, look increasingly likely to avoid the drop; Atlético Mineiro saw off Palmeiras 2-0 at the nicely-named Fonte Luminosa ('Luminous Source') stadium. A deflected Diego Souza free-kick opened the scoring, and Neto Berola smashed home late on to seal the victory. Avaí also did their survival hopes the world of good, seeing off Atlético Goianiense by three goals to nil. Eltinho's free-kick snuck in to put the Leão da Ilha ahead, before a late brace from Jéferson put the result beyond doubt.

Neymar celebrates his impressive hattrick.

Cruzeiro got back to winning ways at the Arena do Jacaré, overcoming Vasco on Sunday night. The Raposa netted three remarkably similar goals in a twenty minute spell; Roger, Henrique, and Edcarlos on each occassion struck following Walter Montillo corners from the right. Renato Augusto reduced the arrears with a final-minute rocket. Santos, meanwhile, confimed Goiás' relegation with a 4-1 win over the Esmeraldino. Goiás actually went ahead via Ernando's towering header, but Danilo swiftly equalised with a low strike. The rest of the game was lit up by a Neymar hattrick; the first of which arrived from the spot after the young striker had himself been tripped. Neymar then expertly tucked home his second despite significant pressure, before adding a third with a delightful chip.

Results; Grêmio 3-1 Atlético-PR, Grêmio Prudente 1-1 Ceará, Flamengo 2-1 Guarani, São Paulo 1-4 Fluminense, Vitória 1-1 Corinthians, Palmeiras 0-2 Atlético-MG, Botafogo 1-2 Internacional, Cruzeiro 3-1 Vasco, Avaí 3-0 Atlético-GO, Goiás 1-4 Santos.

(Photo credits; (1) Gustavo Tilio, (2) Ricardo Rimoli, (3) Carlos Costa.)

Advantage Palmeiras in Copa Sul-Americana Semi

Brazilian interest in the 2010 Copa Sul-americana has boiled down to two teams; Luiz Felipe Scolari's Palmeiras, and Série A strugglers Goiás. The two met at the Serra Dourada on Wednesday in the first leg of their semi-final, with both sides gunning for a final berth against LDU or Independiente.

Marcos Assunção smashes home the winner in Goiânia.

Palmeiras were again without Chilean playmaker Jorge Valdivia, who has struggled to overcome a series of niggling injuries since his arrival. The trio of Tinga, Luan, and former Galatasaray man Lincoln were charged with providing support to the team's attacking focal point, Kléber. Goiás have been carried in recent weeks by Rafael Moura, and the big forward once again provided the main threat to the opposition defence. In a tight game of few clear chances, it was (as so often this term) Marcos Assunção who made the difference for the Verdão. The midfielder received the ball midway into the Goiás half, and advanced swiftly before rifling a glorious drive into the top corner of Harlei's goal. Assunção's 2010 highlight reel will make compulsive viewing.

Despite their best efforts, Goiás could not find a foothold in the match, and were restricted to only a handful of opportunities. Their best chance fell to Otacílio Neto, who saw his effort well saved by Palmeiras 'keeper Deola. The Esmeraldino now have it all to do in next week's return leg.

Result; Goiás 0-1 Palmeiras.

(Photo credit; Evaristo Sa/AFP.)

Seleção Rethink Needed After Argentina Loss

A late Lionel Messi goal put an end to Mano Menezes' 100% record with the seleção this evening, as Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 in Doha. With just minutes remaining, the diminutive No.10 swapped passes with Ezequiel Lavezzi in the centre circle, skipped past a couple of half-hearted challenges, and planted a shot past Victor. It was a goal worthy of winning any match, and was the single moment of brilliance in a largely disappointing clash.

Messi's strikes through Thiago Silva's legs to condemn Brazil to defeat.

Menezes handed Ronaldinho a start in a central playmaking role, with Neymar on the left and Robinho...actually I have no idea where Robinho was meant to be playing. The former Santos ace turned in one of the most uninspiring performances I've ever seen, leaving Brazil effectively a man light in attack. Elias earnt a start in midfield, but also failed to impress, while Ramires, a man visibly lacking confidence following his recent downturn in form with Chelsea, looked a shadow of the player who starred against the USA. Defensively, Thiago Silva had a decent game, whilst David Luiz showed intelligence; frequently tracking Argentina's attackers into midfield, knowing that his colleagues could cope with lone frontman Gonzalo Higuaín.

Brazil, in fairness, started brightly; André Santos and Daniel Alves were typically effervescent down the wings, and Ronaldinho showed that his abilities to protect and pass the football have not deserted him yet. Neymar looked lively cutting in from his wing, but often chose to tumble in the box rather than pick out a cross. It would be two relative veterans who had the seleção's best chances; Alves hit the bar with a snapshot, and Ronaldinho's cheeky backheel brought a save from Sergio Romero. As the half wore on, though, Argentina began to boss possession, and some last-ditch defending was needed to thwart the likes of Angel di María and Messi.

The second half was even more disappointing from Brazil, who failed to create a clearcut chance. Douglas took the place of Ronaldinho, but the problem was one of formation, not of personnel; with no central striker to speak of (maybe Robinho was meant to fulfill that role, who knows), Brazil's forays down the wings and Ronaldinho's patient probing were somewhat aimless. Menezes eventually threw on young André, but inexplicably sacrificed Neymar, who had been causing Gabriel Heinze problems after switching to the right. The move made little difference to Brazil's play, and the game appeared to be limping towards a goalless draw until Messi's sensational strike.

So what lessons can we draw from this game? The first thing to note is that the performance highlighted the importance of Alexandre Pato to Menezes' system; while hardly a targetman in the traditional sense, Pato at least provided a focal point in attack for the likes of Neymar and Robinho to provide for. When Pato withdrew from the squad, Menezes probably should have turned to Nilmar or Hulk (both of which deserved call-ups in the first place) to fulfill this role. With only Neymar and Robinho in the starting XI, Menezes had to abandon the 4-2-1-3 which has served him so well in favour of a system with a diamond midfield and two forwards. The experiment, in my view, didn't really work.

Secondly, and perhaps more crucially, Menezes must think carefully about the set-up of his midfield. The partnership of Lucas and Ramires may have worked well against more modest opposition, but it failed to function this evening. Both are broadly 'box-to-box' midfielders; players valued primarily for their physical capabilities, rather than obviously attacking or defensive functions. Better, surely, would be to play one of the pair (Lucas, on current form) alongside a deep-lying regista - a player whose passing can start moves from deep, and who can control the tempo of a game. The obvious candidate, for me as for many in Brazil, is Hernanes. Menezes snubbed the Lazio midfielder, claiming that his advanced role at club level made him unsuitable to act as a withdrawn midfielder for the seleção. Mano do well to cast aside such politicking; Hernanes played for years in such a position with São Paulo, and cannot have lost the knack overnight.

Maybe such analysis is out of place after what is, after all, just a friendly. Maybe the return of Alexandre Pato and Paulo Henrique Ganso next year will put our minds at rest over Menezes' seleção legacy. But in the meantime, this result, and more importantly, this performance, will surely have given the former Corinthians boss plenty to think about. The honeymoon period is well and truly over; the hard work starts now for Menezes.

Brazilian Football Caricatures at the Museu Afro Brasil

Back in August, I visited the Museu Afro Brasil in São Paulo, which (conviently for me) had an exhibition looking at the impact of black players in the country's football history. As well as the usual displays and films about Garrincha, Pelé, et al, there was an enjoyable collection of caricatures, published (mainly) in the newspaper A Gazeta Esportiva during the 1950s and 60s. The images below provide a nice snapshot, I think, of a football culture steeped in glorious ephemeral detail; one in which players are (or at least were) immediately recognisable by their nicknames, the club they represented, and their personality on the pitch. I'm posting them up here just on the off chance that you find them as charming as I did.

(The images may be a little blurry...partly due to my poor photography skills, and partly because Blogspot seems to pixellate everything I upload. Try clicking to get them in full size/better quality.)

(Photo credits; all writer's own.)

Corinthians Overcome Cruzeiro Thanks to Controversial Penalty; Galo Thrash Flamengo

Round 35 could well prove to be the decisive one in the outcome of the 2010 Campeonato Brasileiro. Corinthians took a huge step towards the title on Saturday night, beating fellow challengers Cruzeiro by one goal to nil. That victory sent the Timão back to the top of Série A, as Fluminense could only manage a draw at home to Goiás. In the race for the final Libertadores spot, Atlético Paranaense leapfrogged Botafogo and Grêmio into fourth place. Down at the bottom, things are tighter than ever; just three points separates six teams above the doomed duo of Grêmio Prudente and Goiás.

Corinthians 1-0 Cruzeiro
A packed Pacaembu awaited, but anyone expecting a rip-roaring game of football between Corinthians and Cruzeiro, two of Série A's most consistent performers this term, was to be disappointed. As so often in football, this most important of games failed to produce a lively spectacle. In fact, all of the drama was condensed into the final five minutes, which at least provided the excitement which had been lacking for the previous 85 minutes.

Corinthians were at full strength, with Dentinho continuing in support of Ronaldo in attack. Midfielders Jucilei and Elias were able to play this game, despite being due in the Middle East for Wednesday's clash between the seleção and Argentina. The Corinthians attack, however, was well contained by the Raposa; Fabrício and Henrique largely nullified the creative threat of the hosts' No.10, Bruno César. Corinthians were reduced to just a handful of efforts in the opening period; Elias twice went close, and Ronaldo smashed an effort just over the bar. At the other end, Cruzeiro offered little, but could have had a penalty when Thiago Ribeiro went down under the challenge of Júlio César.

Jucilei and Ronaldo salute the home crowd after their vital win.

The second half brought some improvement; Ronaldo and Thiago Ribeiro both missed presentable chances, and the entrance of Jorge Henrique momentarily sparked the Timão's fans into life. Cruzeiro really ought to have taken the lead with ten minutes to go, but Wellington Paulista could only shoot at Júlio César with the goal gaping. The visitors would live to regret their profligacy; Corinthians were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of the game, after Gil barged Ronaldo in the area. The Cruzeiro players protested furiously; Fabrício and Gilberto were booked for their troubles, and coach Cuca was sent to the stands. The decision was certainly a debatable one, but the challenge from the Raposa centre-back was a clumsy one. Ronaldo stepped up and coolly tucked the spot-kick away to put Corinthians in pole position in the title race.

Gameweek 35 Round-up
Back on Wednesday evening, Botafogo travelled to Fortaleza with the hope of resuscitating their Libertadores dreams, but could only draw 2-2 with Ceará. 'Loco' Abreu flicked home a cross to put O Glorioso ahead, but in-form Magno Alves levelled matters following Leandro Guerreiro's error. Veteran midfielder Geraldo then smashed home a glorious second for the home side, before Abreu equalised; the Uruguayan turned expertly before slotting into the far corner. Joel Santana's men slip to fifth, but remain ahead of Santos and Grêmio, who battled to a goalless draw at the Vila Belmiro.

Atlético Goianiense appear to be edging closer to safety, and recorded a convincing 3-0 win over Palmeiras at the Serra Dourada. Gilson headed the Dragão into the lead, and a brace of instinctive finishes from Robston sealed the victory. Meanwhile, two of the more realistic relegation candidates, Guarani and Vitória, earnt a point apiece in their clash. Adaílton tucked home from close range to put Vitória ahead, but Geovane responded immediately for the hosts; his corner snuck in off the far post for a gol olímpico. Atlético Paranaense snuck into the top four on Sunday, with a win over Grêmio Prudente. SKP favourite Paulo Baier was the star of the show, netting a first half penalty and adding a second with a placed header. Willian José netted for the Abelha, but they couldn't find a way back into the game.

Atlético-MG goalscorers Obina and Renan Oliveira celebrate the latter's second strike.

When Vanderlei Luxemburgo's torrid spell with Atlético Mineiro came to an end in October, he would have been forgiven for thinking that the Flamengo job represented the perfect coaching tonic. The Rubro-Negro, while a shadow of the team that won last year's title, looked safe in mid-table. How ironic, then, that the club that Luxemburgo left in the relegation zone should drag his current club into the very same battle for survival; Atlético thrashed Fla 4-1 at the Arena do Jacaré, and now sit just a point behind the Rio side. The Galo took the lead when Obina (a former Flamengo player) pounced on Marcelo Lomba's fumble, and added a second through Renan Oliveira. Diego Tardelli added a third with a classy individual effort, before Renan Oliveira scrambled home his second of the game. Marquinhos' late goal was all that Fla could manage.

Fluminense fluffed their lines in the title race, slumping to a 1-1 draw with struggling Goiás at the Engenhão. Rafael Moura opened the scoring for the Esmeraldino with a trademark header, and Flu again had Darío Conca to thank for their point; the Argentine drilled home a late penalty after Rodriguinho had dived in the area. At the São Januário, Vasco took the lead against São Paulo with a stunning Éder Luís strike, but had to settle for a draw when Lucas Gaúcho stylishly flicked home with ten minutes remaining.

Fluminense midfielder Deco stretches for a loose ball.

Avaí boosted their survival hopes with an impressive 3-2 win away to Internacional. The Florianópolis side took the lead with just 15 seconds on the clock, with one of the best goals you're ever likely to see. Inter actually kicked off, but Alecsandro's slack pass gave the ball straight to Rudnei. Avaí then launched an unstoppable passing move down the right, culminating in a stunning finish from right-back Patric. Que golaço! Batista added a second for the visitors with a deflected strike, but Inter showed their mettle to fight back to 2-2; Leandro Damião tucked away a neat finish, before Rafael Sobis dug out a glorious lofted equaliser. This was to be Avaí's day, however, and they snatched the win with another tidy move; Caio's through ball found Patric, whose chipped cross was nodded home by Robinho. A great result for Avaí, who are finally returning to the attacking football that served them so well early in the campaign.

Results; Ceará 2-2 Botafogo, Atlético-MG 4-1 Flamengo, Santos 0-0 Grêmio, Corinthians 1-0 Cruzeiro, Fluminense 1-1 Goiás, Internacional 2-3 Avaí, Guarani 1-1 Vitória, Atlético-GO 3-0 Palmeiras, Vasco 1-1 São Paulo, Atlético-PR 2-1 Grêmio Prudente.

(Photo credits; (1) Ari Ferreira, (2) Gil Leonardi, (3) Paulo Sergio.)