Palmeiras retain leadership as Inter and São Paulo throw away chance to go top

Fernandão celebrates against Corinthians

On Saturday, just two points separated the top three sides in the Brasileiro. But even though Palmeiras were not in action, they stayed top after Internacional lost away at Vitória and São Paulo were held away at strugglers Santo André. Now just three points separate the top five.

For the second week in a row, Inter squandered an opportunity to finish the round as top dogs. Last week they lost 3-2 at home to Cruzeiro. This time they went down 2-0 at Vitória. Uelliton and Roger got the goals for the Bahia team. See the goals

On Sunday, São Paulo took an early lead vs Santo André courtesy of the highly-versatile, Jean. But after creating very little in the second-half, substitute Pablo Escobar equalised for Santo André – the goal though will go down as yet another Rogério Ceni howler after the São Paulo keeper turned his back on the shot and the ball crept in under his legs. See the goals here  

Palmeiras can extend their lead at the top if they take points against Cruzeiro in Belo Horizonte on Wednesday.

Despite having Ronaldo back in action for the first since he injured his hand at the end of July, Corinthians suffered a major set back at home when they were destroyed by Goiás 4-1 in the Pacaembu. Iarley grabbed a brace, João Paulo got a header and Fernandão scored his first since his return to the Serra Dourada club. Dentinho got the consolation goal. See the goals

Atlético Mineiro slipped to 5^th after only managing a scoreless draw away at relegation-threatened Náutico.

The highest score of the day came in the estádio Olímpico were Grêmio humiliated bottom club Fluminense 5-1. See the goals. Jonas was on target once again to bring his tally to 13. The Grêmio man is joint top scorer in the league alongside Fla’s Adriano who scored one in his team’s 3-0 win over Coritiba. See the goals

At the bottom, Santo André, Botafogo, Sport Recife and Fluminense occupy the relegation places. No wins in eight for Flu means the Rio outfit are now at least seven points adrift of safety.

See the table and the rest of the round 25 results here