Fluminense Back to Winning Ways; Botafogo Up to Third

The segundo turno of the Brasileirão got underway this week, with Fluminense cementing their position at the top of the table. The Rio club triumphed over Ceará, while Corinthians could only manage a draw against Atlético-PR. Elsewhere, Botafogo and Cruzeiro maintained their great form to oust Santos from the top four.

Fluminense 3-1 Ceará
After two draws and a defeat in the previous three games, Fluminense entered Wednesday's game at the Engenhão looking to get their title tilt back on track. They could hardly have chosen a better opponent; Ceará have been steadily dropping down the table since the World Cup break, and look a shadow of the side that performed so well under PC Gusmão. Flu, though, were without in-form striker Emerson, who looks set to be out for a month due to injury.

Washington clips home his Flu's second.

Any worries that the Tricolor had about adapting to their new home (both they and Flamengo will host most of their games at the Engenhão while the Maracanã undergoes a facelift) were dispelled within six minutes; Mariano's cross from the right flank decieved Michel Alves in the Ceará goal and drifted in at the far post. The home side went on to dominate the opening period, and extended their lead thanks to a brace from Washington. Both were typical Fluminense goals; cool finishes from the big man following outstanding build-up play from Darío Conca.

The second period saw Fluminense understandably take their collective foot off the pedal. Ceará had a couple of decent chances; Kempes headed over from close range and Magno Alves saw has effort clawed away by Fernando Henrique. The Vovô were finally awarded for their toil with a goal, but Geraldo's deflected finish came far too late to worry Flu. Muricy Ramalho's men now hold a three point lead over second-placed Corinthians, but have played one more game than the São Paulo club.

Gameweek 20 Round-up
Goiás recorded only their fourth win over the season, seeing off Guarani at the Serra Dourada. Felipe put the Esmeraldino ahead with a low finish, before Rafael Moura made it two from the spot. Felipe added a penalty of his own in the second half, and Mário Lúcio grabbed a late consolation for the Campinas side. A good result, but as coach Jorginho highlighted after the game, Goiás must produce performances like this far more regularly to escape relegation. Fellow strugglers and neighbours Atlético Goianiense were brought down to earth after last week's goleada of Vitória, losing 2-0 to a resurgent Grêmio side. Douglas, finally starting to show some of the form of his days with Corinthians, gave the Tricolor the lead with a beautiful free-kick, before Borges sealed the points late on.

Atlético Mineiro also remain in the mire at the foot of the table, drawing 1-1 with Vasco at the São Januário. The Rio side, again without their captain Carlos Alberto through injury (the Brazilian Darren Anderton?), took the lead with a rasping effort from former Atlético striker Éder Luís, but the Galo earnt a point thanks to Ricardinho's penalty in the dying minutes. Cruzeiro, Belo Horizonte's other top-flight club are having a considerably better run in Série A, and snuck into the top four following a 1-0 over Inter. Midfielder Everton's first half volley was enough to give the Raposa the victory.

'Loco' Abreu celebrates his winner for Botafogo.

Ronaldo's first goal since May was not enough for Corinthians, who stumbled to a 1-1 draw with Atlético-PR. O Fenômeno smashed home a penalty after a handball, but Bruno Mineiro levelled with a late spot-kick of his own after a digusting dive by Wagner Diniz. Palmeiras too were held away from home, drawing with Vitória at the Barradão. Elkeson, a youngster starting to make a name for himself, put the Leão ahead with a controlled drive, but Tadeu pounced on a rebound to ensure that the points were shared. 1-1 was also the score at the Prudentão, where Grêmio Prudente came from behind against Avaí. Rudnei headed the visitors into the lead, but the Abelha equalised with just five minutes to go through Rafael Martins.

Botafogo move up to third after beating Santos 1-0 at the Pacaembu. In a tight game, it was Uruguayan striker 'Loco' Abreu who handed the points to O Glorioso with a stunning goal. The giant striker, receiving a cross in the area, flicked the ball over Santos 'keeper Rafael before volleying emphatically into the roof of the net. São Paulo continued their recovery, comfortably beating Flamengo at the Morumbi. The Tricolor were ahead within ten minutes; Marlos calmly rounding Marcelo Lomba to finish following a delightful through-ball from Marcelinho. Flamengo were reduced to ten men when Diogo received a second yellow for blatant simulation, and went on to concede a second; a trademark towering header from Fernandão sealed the points for the home side.

(Photo credits; (1) Gilvan de Souza, (2) Ari Ferreira.)

São Paulo End Winless Run; All Square in Clássico Paulista

This Sunday in the Brasileirão had received plenty of hype during the previous week, with no fewer than four local derbies taking place around the country. Unfortunately, the day was rather a damp squib, with only three goals in those four matches. Fluminense were the only side in the top four to win, a result which sees them regain first position.

São Paulo 2-1 Ceará
Without a win since the 6th of June, the pressure was mounting on São Paulo coach Ricardo Gomes ahead of Saturday's tie with Ceará. With the all-important second leg of their Libertadores semi-final coming up on Thursday, there were suggestions that a loss here could spur the club's directors to dismiss Gomes and turn to another manager to motivate the team. This result, then, while potentially only a momentary moment of calm before the storm (should São Paulo lose to Inter), ought to steady the ship somewhat.

Ricardo Oliveira hurdles Diego after his delicate finish.

Gomes, usually a proponent of a 3-5-2 system, decided to alter the shape of his side, shifting Xandão to the right of a back four and moving Jean into midfield. The tactic worked early on; the midfield axis of Jean and Cléber Santana allowed Hernanes and the excellent Marlos more freedom to provide support to Fernandinho and débutant Ricardo Oliveira, the former Betis and Milan striker. The Tricolor looked lively and created a number of chances early on; only some wasteful finishing and some alert goalkeeping from Ceará's Diego kept the teams level.

The home side would have to wait until the second period to get the goal their play deserved. After 65 minutes, half time substitute Fernandão leapt in fine style to head home Hernanes' outswinging corner to send the Morumbi into raptures. Within three minutes, the lead was doubled. After the breakdown of a move in midfield, Ceará were left exposed as Dagoberto's precise through-ball released Ricardo Oliveira. The forward kept his nerve; clipping a fabulous finish over the 'keeper and into the net. The Vovô set a up a nervy climax to the game thanks to Erick Flores' well-taken finish, but São Paulo held on for a deserved win.

Palmeiras 1-1 Corinthians
Still looking for his first win on the Palmeiras bench (he watched Gameweek 8's victory over Santos from the stands), Luiz Felipe Scolari may harbour some regrets when he looks back on Sunday's clássico. Having recovered from a shaky start, the Verdão looked in good shape to snatch a victory in the second half, but had to settle for a point after some oddly negative substitutions disrupted their rhythm.

Corinthians, coached for the first time by Adílson Batista (an old cohort of Felipão's), took control early on, thanks largely to strong performances from Jucilei, Ralf, and Elias in midfield. Bruno César took up a more advanced role, charged with supporting Jorge Henrique and Iarley (the Brazilian Paul Dickov) in attack. That trio combined brilliantly to open the scoring after 20 minutes; Iarley played Bruno César into space down the right, and the No.10's low cross was flicked impudently home by Jorge Henrique. Replays showed the winger to have been marginally offside when Bruno delivered the cross.

Palmeiras' Kléber (left) holds off a challenge from Corinthians captain William.

Palmeiras, however, started to get a foothold in the tie. Playmaker Lincoln provided a headache for the Timão defenders, drifting into space and combining intelligently with Kléber in attack. On 33 minutes, Lincoln wriggled free of his marker and found Danilo on the right. The defender's tempting cross was powerfully met by Kléber, who brought a diving save from Júlio César in the Corinthians goal. The ball, however, fell kindly for Edinho, who smashed the ball home from close range.

For the remainder of the first period and the start of the second, Palmeiras looked by far the more likely to claim all three points; Ewerton twice had goals chalked off after straying offside. Strangely, though, Scolari decided to replace Lincoln, easily the Verdão's best performer, with youngster Tinga. Ewerton too was brought off minutes later. Surely enough, Palmeiras' threat (as well as the excitement of spectacle as a whole) was diminished, and the scoreline finished 1-1.

Gameweek 12 Round-up
Fluminense profitted from the Corinthians result to return to the top of Série A, beating Atlético-PR 3-1 at the Maracanã. Washington, making his second début for the club, netted a brace; two easy finishes after assists from the superb Darío Conca. The player they call Coração Valente (braveheart - the big forward overcame a heart problem to continue his career) then turned provider, playing in Emerson to smash home. Bruno Mineiro headed in a late consolation for the Furacão. In Saturday's final game, Guarani held Atlético-GO at the Serra Dourada. Rodrigo Tiuí put Atlético ahead with a diving header, but Mazola levelled with a fine individual effort.

Sunday, then; three more derbies, and only one more goal. Vasco earnt a creditable 0-0 draw with Flamengo at the Maracanã largely due to a sensational goalkeeping display from Fernando Prass. In one particular sequence towards the end of the game, the stopper managed to deny Vinícius Pacheco, Cristian Borja, and Juan, all of whom looked set to score. The draw maintains PC Gusmão's unbeaten record in this Brasileiro (both with Vasco and Ceará). In the Gre-Nal clássico in Porto Alegre, an Inter side lacking a number of titulares (rested ahead of the Libertadores clash with São Paulo) was held to a goalless draw by Grêmio at the Beira-Rio. In Sete Lagoas, it was Cruzeiro who scraped a 1-0 win over Atlético-MG in the Minas Gerais derby. Wellington Paulista's stunning long-range strike leaves the Galo languishing in 19th place.

Wellington shoots; the Cruzeiro striker (left) celebrates his winner.

In anticipation of Wednesday's Copa do Brasil final second leg, both Santos and Vitória lined up with weakened sides in their matches, against Grêmio Prudente and Botafogo respectively. Santos rode their luck to beat the Abelha 2-1 at the Prudentão. Midfielders Danilo and Rodriguinho both netted glorious efforts from distance to put the seasiders in the driving seat, but Róbson pulled one back for Prudente. The home side then had ample opportunity to get something from the game, but contrived to miss two penalties in the last five minutes. On a shocking Barradão surface, Vitória and Botafogo looked to be heading towards a goalless draw, but a crazy three minute period late on produced no fewer than three goals. After good work from Maicosuel (newly returned to the Engenhão club after a spell in Germany with Hoffenheim), Edno put the Glorioso ahead with a deadly volley. Júnior headed home an equaliser for Vitória, but Jóbson deftly turned home Marcelo Mattos' cross to restore Botafogo's lead. The win was secured in injury time, when Jóbson bagged his second of the match; smashing home despite the attentions of three defenders.

In the last of Sunday's games, Avaí continued their impressive progress up the table with a convincing 4-1 win over Goiás. Émerson headed the Leão da Ilha a ninth minute lead, before Davi benefitted from a botched clearance (which smashed into the face of an unlucky Goiás midfielder) to double the advantage just a minute later. The Goiás defenders were in a generous mood; Rafael Tolói gifted possession to Davi who rifled home the third. Bernardo pulled one back for the Esmeraldino with a delightful strike, but Robinho Signorini, a clever little player on loan from Santos, rounded off the scoring from close range.

(Photo credits; (1) Miguel Schincariol, (2) Eduardo Viana, (3) Ramon Bitencourt.)

Felipão Returns With Victory Over Santos; Ceará and Corinthians Remain Unbeaten

The Campeonato Brasileiro restarted on Wednesday, after a four week break for the World Cup. Ceará and Corinthians stuttered to a draw that gave Fluminense a chance to draw level on points at the top of the table, but the Tricolor could only manage a point against Grêmio Prudente. One team who did make up ground on the leaders was Palmeiras; now under new leadership...

Palmeiras 2-1 Santos
A derby between São Paulo giants is never an insignificant affair, but Thursday's meeting was lent added importance by the return of one of Brazil's most fêted managers; Luiz Felipe Scolari. Back for his second spell at the club, the appointment has been widely praised by fans eager to see Palmeiras recover from their recent wobbles. Felipão, however, is always in demand; the ink had barely dried on his two-year contract with the Verdão before there were calls for him to be named as Dunga's replacement as coach of the seleção. Scolari's comments in the media suggest this is unlikely; he hopes for a return to European management when his deal expires in 2012.

With the Palestra Itália undergoing a makeover, it was the Pacaembu which hosted the visit of Santos. The Peixe were without Robinho and Marquinhos, and Paulo Henrique Ganso was only fit enough for a place on the bench. For the (nominal) home side, Scolari was not the only returning hero; after a successful spell with Cruzeiro, o Gladiador Kléber started up front alongside Ewerton.

Ewerton celebrates his role in the new Adidas advert his opening goal.

It was the latter who, out of nothing, gave Palmeiras the lead on 13 minutes. After shifting the ball from under his feet, the former Borussia Dortmund man cracked a powerful drive into the top corner, giving Santos 'keeper Rafael no chance. The Peixe grew into the game before the break, but despite the probing of Madson, failed to create any clear-cut chances.

Palmeiras started the second period as they had the first; Rafael had to be at his best to deny Ewerton a second after some magical build-up involving Lincoln. Santos threatened through Maranhão's long-range effort, but were soon after exposed by a swift Palmeiras break. Débutant Tinga swapped passes with Kléber, before surging forward and hitting a low cross-shot which Edu Dracena diverted into his own net.

Dorival Júnior threw on Marcel to offer greater physical presence up front, much to the disgust of the departing Neymar. The Santos coach was vindicated, however, with 7 minutes to go; Marcel brought down a high ball and smashed a ferocious shot home via the crossbar. It would prove to be little more than a consolation, however; Felipão's charges move up to seventh in the table, level on points with the Peixe.

Ceará 0-0 Corinthians
Goalless it may have been, but Wednesday's game in Fortaleza was a competitive game between two teams at the head of the Brasileirão table. Ceará's impressive record this year, particularly at home, has been built on a tight defence and midfield, and it was clear that the Timão would have to be at their best to make a breakthrough. Injuries, however, meant that Mano Menezes was deprived of not only Ronaldo, but Dentinho and Jorge Henrique too.

Corinthians schemer Bruno César looks to launch an attack.

The replacement front three of Danilo, Iarley, and Matías Defederico struggled to make any headway against the home side's superb back line, meaning Corinthians were largely reliant on Bruno César to provide an attacking threat from midfield. It was he who produced the best effort on goal during the first period; unleashing a stinging drive that Diego did will to palm over. Ceará's best moments, as ever, came on the break; the combination of Misael and Oziel on the right frequently exposed Roberto Carlos' lack of pace, but some wasteful finishing saw the teams finish the half level.

The second half provided more of the same; Corinthians enjoyed ample possession but couldn't convert it into concrete chances. The entrance of veteran midfielder Tcheco and forward Souza gave the Timão more attacking presence, but in truth it was Ceará who could have stolen the three points. Late on, the mercurial Misael launched a delicate curling shot which Júlio César superbly tipped away. In the end, though, the draw was a fair result; one that sees both teams maintain their unbeaten records in Série A.

Gameweek 8 Round-up
On a laughable Maracanã pitch, Flamengo beat Botafogo 1-0 in the Clássico Carioca. A typically penetrative Petkovic through-ball sent Vinícius Pacheco clear on the left, and his cross was scuffed home by substitute Paulo Sérgio. It was a much-needed boost for a Rubro-Negro side shorn not only of Adriano and Vágner Love (who have both returned to European football) but of Bruno, the goalkeeper involved in the murder-mystery that has gripped Brazil in recent days.

Life after Love; Vágner's gone, but Paulo Sérgio sealed three points for Fla.

São Paulo slumped to a disappointing home loss to Avaí, who are now level on points with the Tricolor. Roberto cleverly converted Patric's drilled cross past Rogério Ceni for the opener, before Vandinho added a second on the break. Hernanes pulled one back with a sumptuous left-footed finish, but the home side couldn't find an equaliser. At the Serra Dourada, Goiás and Vasco played out a goalless draw so dull that I'd be doing you a disservice to elaborate on it.

New coach Cuca declared himself delighted with the efforts of his Cruzeiro players following a 2-0 win away to Atlético Paranaense. The Raposa took the lead when Wellington Paulista headed home Thiago Ribeiro's perfect cross, and sealed the win late on through new signing Robert (incidentally a dead-ringer for Jason Roberts).

There were mixed fortunes on Wednesday for the teams from Porto Alegre. Inter romped to an impressive 3-0 win against Guarani for only their third win of the campaign. Sandro blasted them ahead after good work from Kléber, and poacher extraordinaire Alecsandro added a second after Douglas could only palm Andrezinho's effort into his path. The scoring was rounded off by Taison, whose acceleration and cool finish brought back memories of his excellent form of a year ago. Grêmio, however, could only manage a 1-1 draw with Vitória at the Olímpico. The Tricolor needed an Egídio own-goal to level Wallace's first half opener.

Thursday saw Fluminense waste their chance to go joint top, after a late Grêmio Prudente goal denied them a win at the Maracanã. The Rio team took the lead when Fred headed home a Darío Conca free-kick, but were made to pay for not adding another; Wesley levelled with a fine individual goal with just 6 minutes remaining. Diego Tardelli was again the catalyst for Atlético Mineiro, as they ran out 3-2 winners over Atlético Goianiense. He bagged his first with a low drive after a clever run and dummy by Neto Berola, a new signing from Vitória. Marcão equalised for the visitors, but the Galo restored and then extended their lead within 7 minutes. Diego Tardelli converted from the spot after Neto Berola was brought down in the area, before loanee Ricardo Bueno headed a third. Rodrigo Tiuí pulled one back in the second period after a howler from Fábio Costa, but Atlético-MG held on for a deserved win.

(Photo credits; (1) Tom Dib, (2) Jarbas Oliveira, (3) Cleber Mendes.)

Veterans Ensure Corinthians Stay Top; Win Takes Ceará Second

In the penultimate set of games before the Brasileirão's World Cup sabbatical, Corinthians maintained their position at the head of the table. They are closely followed by Ceará and Fluminense, both of whom enjoyed home victories.

Corinthians 2-0 Internacional
With Jorge Henrique joining Ronaldo on the Corinthians injury list, Iarley made a rare start for the home side at the Pacaembu. Mano Menezes again packed the midfield, playing both Danilo and Bruno César alongside the more defensively minded Elias and Ralf. It was Inter who enjoyed the better start, however, testing Felipe with a series of long range efforts. The Timão goalkeeper had to be at his best to claw away Andrezinho's curling shot.

With 38 minutes gone, Corinthians were awarded a controversial penalty. Danilo went down under pressure from Gonzalo Sorondo, but seemed to be returning to his feet after managing to get a pass away. Sorondo was nonplussed, and rightly so. Roberto Carlos stepped up and hit a low spot-kick which crept into the corner after Lauro appeared to have stopped it.

The old ones are the best; Roberto Carlos rolls back the years to score for Corinthians.

It was another of Corinthians' ageing tios who made it 2-0 after the break. Iarley received Elias' pinpoint ball in the area, and turned smartly to finish into the roof of the net. The scoreline rather flattered the home side, and it was Inter who had the best chances in the remainder of the match. There were to be no more goals, however, as Felipe continued to frustrate the Colorado with a string of fine saves.

Ceará 2-0 Avaí
Newly-promoted Ceará have been in brilliant form since the start of Série A, picking up impressive wins against Cruzeiro, Fluminense and Vitória. They left it late against Avaí at the Castelão, but two goals in the last 15 minutes ensured another win for Vozão. Misael, one of the side's stand-out performers, broke the deadlock in style, running onto a long ball, dribbling easily past his marker, and slotting low into the corner.

It was another breakaway goal that secured the three points for the team from Fortaleza. Avaí's perilously high defensive line was exposed when centre-back Emerson missed his header, leaving Tony with a clear run on goal. The former Botafogo man drew the 'keeper before unselfishly squaring for the onrushing Lopes, who couldn't miss. Ceará up to the dizzy heights of second place.

Gameweek 6 Round-up
Fluminense continued their impressive form with a 2-1 win over Vitória at the Maracanã. Fred bagged the Tricolor's first, profitting from a kind rebound after Marquinho's shot was saved. The away team looked to have earnt a point when Jonas headed in an 85th minute equaliser, but they were denied thanks to Alan's late goal. Flamengo also recorded a tight victory, beating Palmeiras 1-0 at the Pacaembu. It was Vágner Love who came back to haunt his former employers, cutting in from the left and drilling home.

Comeback kings Atlético-PR salute their fans at the Arena da Baixada.

Botafogo threw away a two-goal advantage to lose 3-2 to Atlético Paranaense at the Baixada. Joel Santana's men dominated the first half and took the lead through Herrera, who spun past his defender to finish via the legs of 'keeper Neto. The impressive Edno brought down a high ball and played in Lúcio Flávio, who drilled in at the near post to double Botafogo's lead. The game looked to be over, but the Furacão had other ideas. Veteran Paulo Baier pulled one back before half time, before equalising with a deft free-kick in the second period. The winner came from Alex Mineiro, whose shot was deflected just beyond the reach of the despairing Jefferson. Botafogo now without a win in three games after a promising start.

Atlético-GO remained rooted to the bottom of the table after Tadeu's glorious free-kick condemned them to a 1-0 loss against Grêmio Prudente. Improving Goiás won their second game on the bounce, shocking title hopefuls São Paulo at the Serra Dourada. It was São Paulo who took the lead thanks to an unstoppable Marcelinho Paraíba free-kick, but the Esmeraldino reacted with goals from Bernado (from the penalty spot) and Jonílson. Vasco also remain in the relegation zone, after a home loss to Guarani. In a poor game, it was a goal from Roger (the current artilheiro of the Campeonato) that separated the teams.

Vanderlei Luxemburgo will be disappointed to find his Atlético Mineiro side hovering around the foot of the table after they went down to a third consecutive defeat; losing 2-1 to Grêmio at the Olímpico. The Tricolor have specialised recently in goals from dead-balls, and last night it was Hugo who twice benefitted from Fábio Rochemback's excellent delivery to head home. Ricardinho netted the Galo's only goal with a deflected shot from outside the area. In Belo Horizonte, Cruzeiro were held to a 0-0 draw by Santos, a result that sees the sides remain in 6th and 5th spots consecutively.

(Photo credits; (1) Junior Lago, (2) Felipe Gabriel.)