Title challengers close in on Palmeiras

Champions São Paulo pick up another win

With the season at the halfway stage, just four points separate the top four teams in the Brasileiro.

Palmeiras were held at home 1-1 by a plucky Botafogo. André Lima struck first for the away team. Danilo got the equalizer for the league leaders. This was Estevam Soares’ first game in charge but if his new side continue to perform like this, the relegation zone will soon be well behind Botafogo.

Palmeiras have now drawn their last three games 1-1 and other title hopefuls have taken full advantage of the Palestra Itália side’s stutter.

Goiás continue to surprise after they pulled off another win – this time a 3-2 win over Vitória. Felipe Menezes, Iarley and Júlio César were on target in the estádio Serra Dourada. Goiás are now just two points behind the leaders.

Internacional moved within reach of Palmeiras after a 2-0 win away at a troubled Santo André. Taison and Alecsandro did the damage in São Paulo. Inter are now four points behind Palmeiras but have two games in hand.

São Paulo came away with the spoils at bottom club Sport Recife despite having centrebacks Miranda and Renato Silva sent off. Washington had given the Morumbi side the lead before Fabiano equalized for Sport. Hugo grabbed the winner two minutes into stoppage time.

One-time leaders Atlético Mineiro suffered another blow after a 2-0 loss away at Corinthians. Dentinho’s shot deflected off Werley to beat Atlético keeper Bruno Fuso. Then Boquita hit the top angle to guarantee Corinthians their first win in five games.

In Florianópolis, Avaí picked up their seventh win in their last 9 outings after a 2-1 win against Náutico. The Santa Catarina club are now just three points off the Libertadores places.  

Grêmio pummeled Flamengo 4-1 in the estádio Olímpico. The score though doesn’t reflect the wasted chances that Fla threw away and the brilliance of Grêmio keeper Victor in keeping the Rio side out.

At the bottom, Santo André, Náutico, Fluminense and Sport Recife occupy the relegation places.  

See Saturday’s goals here 

See Sunday’s goals here

See the Campeonato Brasileiro round 19 table and the rest of the results here