Atlético Mineiro Lifted by Win Over Dragão; Top Three All Stumble

Another brief round-up this week, folks; my new flat is now full of furniture, but still lacks internet. It was a good weekend for Dorival Júnior, who claimed his first win as Atlético-MG coach against fellow strugglers Atlético-GO. Corinthians, Fluminense, and Cruzeiro all drew, allowing fourth-placed Inter to edge closer to the leading pack.

Gameweek 27 Round-up
Vasco and Goiás played out an enjoyable game at the São Janúario; the home side twice came from behind to win 3-2. Felipe smashed Goiás into an early lead, before Éder Luís coolly brought the Gigante da Colina level. Jones (!) tucked away a deft finish to put the visitors ahead once more, but two powerful second half strikes from Max and Zé Roberto gave Vasco the win. Elsewhere in Rio, the clássico between Botafogo and Flamengo ended 1-1, a result which helps neither side. Lúcio Flávio's gorgeous free-kick put Fogo in front, but Léo Moura pounced to equalise after Petkovic's penalty was saved by Jefferson.

In the clássico paulista, Santos came behind to hold Palmeiras, on an afternoon when Neymar sported the number 100 to celebrate a century of games for the Peixe. Kléber half-volleyed the Verdão into a first half advantage, but youngster Alan Patrick's deflected effort ensured the spoils were shared. São Paulo, too, could only manage a point; the Tricolor stumbled to a dull goalless draw with Avaí. The Morumbi club will hope that Sunday's appointment of Paulo César Carpegiani (who surprisingly left his post at Atlético Paranaense) will reinvigorate their patchy form. Carpegiani, incidentally, signed off on a high; Atlético earnt a creditable 0-0 draw with Cruzeiro, and sit in fifth position.

One hundred club; Santos forward Neymar.

Both Porto Alegre clubs romped to 3-0 wins; Grêmio and Inter triumphed over Vitória and Gurani respectively. Maylson bagged the opener for Grêmio after a defensive mix-up, before injury time goals for Diego and Edílson wrapped things up. Inter flew into an early lead when Daniel rounded off a slick team move, and the Colorado added to their tally thanks to tidy left-footed finishes from Glaydson and Giuliano.

Last met first at the Prudentão, but Grêmio Prudente tore up the script to claim a point against Fluminense. The in-form Rodriguinho put Flu ahead with a stunning volley, but Willian earnt the Abelha a draw. Corinthians too were frustrated on Saturday, as they could only manage a 2-2 draw with Ceará at the Pacaembu. In fact, things could have been far worse for the Timão; Ceará led 2-0 thanks to a breakaway Marcelo Nicácio goal and Magno Alves' near post strike. Paulinho dragged the São Paulo giants back into contention, however, and the oft-maligned Matías Defederico saw his free-kick drift in for a fortunate equaliser.

Dorival Júnior guided Atlético Mineiro to an important win over fellow relegation candidates Atlético Goianiense at the Serra Dourada, a result that suggests that this sleeping giant might finally be creaking into life. Robston put the Dragão ahead with a thunderous free-kick, but Diego Souza levelled for the Belo Horizonte side with a fine diving header. Juninho restored Atlético Goianiense's lead, but the Galo reacted once more; recent seleção call-up Réver netting with a glorious overhead kick. The winner came in stoppage time, when Ricardo Bueno bundled home. Light at the end of the tunnel for Dorival's charges.

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

(Photo credit; Lancenet)