Santos sweep Corinthians aside

Astunned Elias can only look on after Neymar strikes for Santos

Santos staked their claim for the Paulista after overcoming a full-strength Corinthians side 2-1 in the Vila Belmiro.

Even without Robinho who was on international duty with Brazil, the Santos youngsters put on a mesmerizing performance overshadowing a Corinthians team that included an out-of-shape Ronaldo making a rare appearance.

Santos were just too talented, too clever and too quick for an aging and flat-footed Corinthians defence who at times were ripped apart by some free-flowing football.

The Musketeers’ keeper, Felipe, was responsible for keeping the score down. The Corinthians number one pulled off a string of fine saves and also stopped a first-half penalty by Neymar. But excellent goals from Neymar and André ensured the win for Santos. Dentinho scored a deserved goal for Corinthians who had Moacir and Roberto Carlos sent off. See the highlights here

Santo André kept up their claim for a place in the semi-finals after seeing off Portuguesa thanks to an own-goal from Acleisson and an eighth of the season for Rodriguinho who is now the league’s top scorer alongside Neymar. See the goals here

Santo André are joined in the top four by Botafogo who had André Neles to thank for a 1-0 win over São Caetano.

São Paulo are now fourth after trouncing Monte Azul 5-1 in the Arena Barueri. Debut boy Fernandinho scored four after coming off the bench after the interval. See the goals here

Antônio Carlos lost his first match in charge of Palmeiras after his team went down 1-0 away at Rio Claro courtesy of a strike by Osny. See the goal

At the bottom, Rio Branco, Paulista FC and Sertãozinho occupy the relegation places.

See the Campeonato Paulista round 11 table and the rest of the results here