Cruzeiro Edge Closer to Relegation Zone; Top Three Falter

Things are getting unbearably polite at the top of the Brasileirão. "After you, Vasco." "No, I insist, after you," etc. None of the top three managed wins in the midweek round, allowing Botafogo to sneak back into contention. At the foot of the table, Cruzeiro edged ever closer to relegation peril.

Brasileirão Gameweek 29 Round-up
Flamengo followed their rousing derby win over Fluminense with a slightly disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Palmeiras. Thiago Neves' opener at the Engenhão was cancelled out by speedster Maikon Leite, who gave the Verdão something to smile about after a difficult week. Flu, meanwhile, recovered from their clássico disappointment with a fine win over Coritiba. Former Lyon striker Fred, who has been in fine fettle of late, bagged a hat-trick in that one, which included an impeccable overhead kick.

Aquele abraço: Fred celebrates his stunning goal against Coritiba.

Fredgol wasn't the only talismanic striker to make his mark this week; Loco Abreu inspired Botafogo to an important victory over Corinthians. The Uruguayan opened the scoring at the Pacaembu with a trademark header, before Maicosuel sealed the result with a deflected strike. With Vasco also failing to secure maximum points (2-2 against Atlético-PR), that result brought Caio Júnior's side back within two points of the lead. São Paulo, meanwhile, find their title challenge stuttering somewhat; the Tricolor could only manage a goalless draw at home to Inter.

Ceará and Cruzeiro continue to teeter above the relegation zone after disappointing results on Wednesday night. The Fortaleza outfit slipped to an embarrassing 4-1 loss at the hands of lanterna América-MG, whilst Cruzeiro were held by Bahia. Fans of both clubs will be having plenty of sleepless nights in the coming weeks. Figueirense, meanwhile, who were tipped by many to make a swift return to Série B, maintained their hopes of a Libertadores spot with a convincing win over Grêmio. In the remaining games, Atlético-MG beat Santos and Avaí drew 2-2 with Atlético-GO.

Série A results: São Paulo 0-0 Internacional, Grêmio 1-3 Figueirense, Avaí 2-2 Atlético-GO, América-MG 4-1 Ceará, Corinthians 0-2 Botafogo, Flamengo 1-1 Palmeiras, Bahia 0-0 Cruzeiro, Fluminense 3-1 Coritiba, Atlético-MG 2-1 Santos, Atlético-PR 2-2 Vasco.

(Photo credit: Paulo Sergio.)