Antônio Carlos gets off to winning start in derby

So far so good for Antônio Carlos Zago

Palmeiras’ new coach, Antônio Carlos Zago, was more than happy after taking maximum points from São Paulo on Sunday. Zago took charge late on Thursday afternoon but was brave enough to take the reins for the match against one of Palmeiras’ biggest rivals. After a turgid first-half in the Palestra Itália, the game was livened up after referee Rodrigo Martins Cintra (the Red Baron) sent off São Paulo’s Xandão for a second bookable offence. Palmeiras soon went ahead through Robert Pinho. The forward then grabbed a second after São Paulo keeper Rogério Ceni committed the cardinal sin of turning his back on a close range effort. Zago’s cause was helped by another lacklustre performance from São Paulo who despite bringing in some quality players this season, struggled to create and were ponderous when moving forward. Hours after the match, São Paulo’s 45-year-old coach Ricardo Gomes was rushed to hospital after suffering a suspected stroke. See the game’s highlights

Santos are now four points clear at the top after a 2-1 win away at strugglers Mirassol. Heavy rain just before kick left the pitch water-logged at the estádio José María de Campos Maia and Robinho, in particular, found it tough going. Neymar and Paulo Henrique Ganso were suspended (which means they’ll be available for the game vs Corinthians next week) but goals from Wesley and Madson secured the points. Gérson was on target for Mirassol after his deflected free kick went in off Durval. Santos have not won seven wins in a row since 1968 and it will come as no surprise to learn that they won the competition that year. See the highlights

Santo André made it four wins in a row and kept up their claim for a place in the semis after a 3-1 victory over Barueri. The ABC club are now 2^nd in the table and take on Portuguesa next weekend (a match you can see with us on Saturday 19:30 local time).

Corinthians are 3^rd following a dull 0-0 draw with Rio Branco in the Arena Barueri. Botafogo suffered a 2-0 defeat at Bragantino but stay 4^th.

See the Campeonato Paulista round 10 table and the rest of the results here

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