Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara Week 7

Americano 3-2 Duque de Caxias
Volta Redonda 1-2 Bangu
Botafogo 5-2 Resende
Macaé 0-1 Friburguense
América 3-0 Tigres do Brasil
Vasco da Gama 2-2 Madureira
Boavista 1-2 Flamengo
Olaria 0-0 Fluminense

The last round of the Taça Guanabara saw pride at stake as the only two sides not to record a win so far met up. Americano were pointless and Duque de Caxais had two draw to their name when the sides faced up. Americano stormed into a two goal lead through Patrick and Leandro Sena. Duque de Caxais fought back and levelled with goals from John and Juninho. As it looked like both teams were going to finish the stage winless, Patrick grabbed and injury time winner to give Americano their first win and leave Duque de Caxais bottom of Group A. Bangu left it late, very late to claim a 2-1 win at Volta Redonda. Marcio Guerrerio put Volta Redonda ahead in the 5th minute a lead they held until the very last minute of the match before conceding two late goals to crash to defeat.

Botafogo got the point they needed to reach the playoffs with a convincing 5-2 win over Resende. Fogo has to come from behind though as Elias put Resende ahead with less than 60 seconds on the clock. But finally "El Loco" came to the party, Sebastian Abreu grabbing a hat-trick before Marcelo Cordeiro and Wellington Júnior wrapped things up. Elias claimed a second, and a consolation, for Resende in injury time. Friburguense picked up their second win of the campaign with a 1-0 success at Macaé. Wallace grabbing the goal just before half time. América got their third win with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Tigres. A brace from Rafael Paty put América two up before half time before Osmar wrapped things up eighteen minutes from time to give América a fourth placed finish in Group B.

With the leadership of Group B assured, Vasco da Gama gave a rest to some key players and it allowed Madureira to grab a point. Alex Oliveira put Madureira ahead in the third minutes but Nilton levelled four minutes later. Arthur Sanches put Madureira ahead again two minutes after half time but they had to settle for a point and third place in Group B after Thiago Martinelli levelled 18 minutes from time. Flamengo finished top of Group A after a 2-1 win at Boavista. Bruno Mezenga put Flamengo ahead four minutes before half time but Edson levelled eleven minutes into the second half. Former Manchester United player Kleberson grabbed the winner on the hour to give Flamengo a semi final against Botafogo. Fluminense will take on Vasco da Gama in the other semi final after a scoreless draw with Olaria, who finished third in the Group A.

So the "Big 4" qualify for the semi finals of the Taça Guanabara. Its Flamengo v Botafogo and Vasco Da Gama v Fluminense. Keep an eye on our Twitter feed for confirmation of the dates and times of the those games.

Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 7

Rio Claro 0-1 Oeste
Corinthians 4-0 Sertãozinho
Ituano 0-4 Barueri
Monte Azul 2-3 Paulista
São Paulo 1-2 Santos
Bragantino 2-3 Palmeiras
Mirassol 0-3 São Caetano
Ponte Preta 2-1 Portuguesa
Rio Branco 1-4 Santo André
Botafogo SP 3-0 Mogi Mirim

It was the stuff dreams are made of as Santos remained top of the Campeonato Paulista after a 2-1 vicotry over São Paulo at the Arena Barueri. Neymar put Santos ahead form the spot seven minutes before half time and a header from Roger levelled things half way through the second half. It was a low key debut for Robinho arriving as a substitute 8 minutes after half time but after being denied once by Rogério Ceni he wasn't two minutes from time when he flicked in a cross from Wesley to snatch the win. Botafogo SP stay second after a 3-0 win over Mogi Mirim. William got the first and Ricardinho doubled the lead in the second half. Corinthians climb to third after getting back to winning ways against Sertãozinho. Chicão put Corinthians ahead early doors before Jorge Henrique doubled the lead before half time. Marcelo Mattos and Edno finished things off in the second half. Ponte Preta make up the Final Four after their 2-1 win over Portuguesa, Leandrinho put Ponte Preta ahead just before half time but Heverton levelled eight minutes into the second half. Finazzi won it for Ponte Preta ten minutes from time.

In the bottom of the table clash, Oeste climbed out of the relegation zone after a valuable away win at Rio Claro. Ricardo Bueno got the only goal of the game with 27 minutes gone but Oeste finished with 10 after Cris was sent off 11 minutes into the second half. Ituano's loss of form continued when they were easily disposed of by Barueri. And own goal from Jean set Barueri on their way before second half strikes from Tadeu, Jefferson and Wesley Morais in the last minute gave Barueri their second win of the season. Paulista picked up their first win since week 2 with an come from behind away success at Monte Azul. Mauro Sergio put Monte Azul ahead with 11 minutes gone but Baiano levelled 15 minutes later. Monte Azul went ahead again 7 minutes from the break when Borebi converted from the spot but the lead lasted only three minutes before Felipe Azevedo levelled. Paulista lost Fabrizzyo to a red card with 7 minutes left and as the game was heading for a draw Barboza grabbed the winner in the last minute.

Palmerias remain outside the Four despite a 3-2 win at Bragantino. Cleiton Xavier and Robert put the Big Green two up but Bragantino fought back to level through Diego Macedo and Juninho Quixada. Lenny then grabbed the winner for Palmeiras 7 minutes from time. São Caetano picked up their first win in four and jumped above Mirassol in the table after a 3-0 success. Jairo and Wanderley put São Caetano two up before the break before Hugo finished things off 18 minutes from time. Mirassol's day was compunded when Amarildo was sent off two minutes from time. Finally, Santo André jumped up to fifth after a 4-1 win over Rio Branco. Bruno Cesar put Santo André ahead with a quarter of an hour on the clock but Serginho levelled to take the teams in level at half time. Santo André took total control in the second half and Bruno Moraes restored the lead before Rodriguinho and Gil wrapped up the points.

No league games in midweek but some clubs will be in the Copa do Brasil. As carnival time hits the region the next round begins on Friday. They line up like this.....

Santo André x Mirassol
Barueri x Monte Azul
São Caetano x Rio Branco SP
Portuguesa x Corinthians
Ituano x São Paulo
Botafogo SP x Palmeiras
Ponte Preta x Sertãozinho
Mogi Mirim x Oeste
Paulista x Bragantino
Santos x Rio Claro

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara Week 6

Bangu 2-0 Americano
Duque de Caxias 1-1 Volta Redonda
Tigres do Brasil 1-2 Macaé
Flamengo 3-3 Olaria
Friburguense 1-2 América
Resende 0-1 Vasco da Gama
Madureira 1-4 Botafogo
Fluminense 3-0 Boavista

With one week left to go in the qualifying stages everything is more or less determined for the finals of the Taça Guanabara. Flamengo and Fluminense are guaranteed from Group A whilst Vasco da Gama will qualify from Group B. Botafogo are currently in second but only need a point from the last round to make 100% sure of their place.

Americano remain pointless after a 2-0 defeat at Bangu. They were 8 minutes away from a point when Somalia put Bangu ahead before Pipico made the game safe in injury time. Duque de Caxias claimed their second point of the season with a home draw against Volta Redonda. Both goals came in the first half, Guilherme put Volta ahead after 20 minutes and Marcelo Macedo levelled six minutes later. Macaé got their first win of the season with an away success at Tigres do Brasil. Gilcimar put Tigres ahead seven minutes before half time, but Leo Santos levelled six minutes into the second half and Andre Gomes won it when he struck half way through the half. Tigres finished with 10 men with Oziel was dismissed seven minutes from time.

Flamengo were given a huge fright by Olaria at the Maracanã. Needing to win to keep their faint finals hopes alive Olaria threw everything at Flamengo and were ahead with 5 minutes on the clock when Caca put the visitors ahead. The lead lasted barely a minute before Adriano levelled matters. Vagner Love then put Flamengo ahead 10 minutes into the second half but three minutes later Araruama levelled and then a second from Caca put Olaria into a shock lead. Olaria held onto the lead for over 15 minutes but a second from Adriano levelled matters 8 minutes from time to guarantee Flamengo a finals berth. América picked up their second win of the season after a come from behind win at Friburguense. Sergio Gomes put Friburguense ahead half way through the first half but Daniel Morais levelled on the half hour before Adriano grabbed the winner 9 minutes before half time. Vasco da Gama ensured they would finish top in Group B after victory over Resende. The only goal came from the penalty spot after 17 minutes, Dodô's seventh of the campaign so far. Resende's cause wasn't helped when Nailton was sent off after 22 minutes.

Botafogo moved back into the play offs after a victory over Madureira in the big game of the week. Fábio Ferreira put Fogo ahead 6 minutes before half time before Caio doubled the lead with 15 minutes to go. Valdir pulled a goal back but Fogo finished the stronger and Fahel restored the two goal advantage before "El Loco" Sebastian Abreu put the game safe 5 minutes from time. Fluminense bounced back from their derby defeat to confirm their place in the finals after a 3-0 win over Boavista. Dario Conca set Flu on their way from the spot after 14 minutes and it took a late brace in the final ten minutes from Thiaguinho to wrap up the victory.

Final round before the play offs begin this weekend and they line up like this.....

Americano x Duque de Caxias
Volta Redonda x Bangu
Botafogo x Resende
Macaé x Friburguense
América x Tigres do Brasil
Vasco da Gama x Madureira
Boavista x Flamengo
Olaria x Fluminense

Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 6

Monte Azul 2-2 Ituano
Sertãozinho 1-1 Rio Claro
Barueri 0-4 Botafogo SP
Oeste 2-2 Paulista
Ponte Preta 2-1 Corinthians
São Paulo 3-0 São Caetano
Palmeiras 1-1 Portuguesa
Bragantino 4-3 Rio Branco
Santo André 1-2 Santos
Mirassol 1-0 Mogi Mirim

No Robinho yet, but Santos went top of the Paulista A1 after their 2-1 victory at Santo André. The two players linked with Manchester City, Paulo Henrique Ganso and Neymar got the goals which put them two up within 24 minutes. Rodriguinho pulled one back but Santos held on. It was the defeat of Corinthians by Ponte Preta which allowed Santos to go top. Corinthians took the lead through Jucilei on the hour but Fabiano Gadelha levelled from the spot 10 minutes later and Finazzi shook Corinthians with the winner with a quarter of an hour to go. Botafogo SP moved into second after a comfortable win at Barueri. Freire and André put Botafogo two up before half time and Malaquais and William wrapped things up after the break. São Paulo remain the fourth team in the playoff zone at the moment after a comfortable win over São Caetano. Washington and Doagoberto with first half goals before Hernanes wrapped things up in the last minute.

Ituano has to settle for a draw at Monte Azul. Welton put Ituano ahead from the spot with 20 minutes to go but the lead lasted less than three minutes when Diogo equalized. Lincon again put Ituano ahead but Monte Azul claimed a point when Edmilson levelled again. The honours were shared in the bottom of the table clash between Sertãozinho and Rio Claro. Cascata out Sertãozinho ahead on the half hour but Pedro Henrique levelled things 12 mintues from time. The other bottom of the table clash also finished level between Oeste and Paulista. Baiano put Paulista ahead with 27 minutes gone but Ricardo Bueno levelled things 10 minutes into the second half. It looked like Paulista were going to get all three points when Guto struck 4 minutes from time but Oeste grabbed a point 2 minutes into stoppage time when Márcio Santos dramatically levelled.

Palmeiras had to come from behind to claim a point again Portuguesa. Luiz Carlos put Portuguesa ahead after half an hour and Danilo levelled matters seven minutes into the second half. A result that leaves both teams out of the play offs. Bragantino picked up their first win since the opening week after a come from behind win over Rio Branco. Anselmo Ramon and Flavio had Rio Branco two up inside thirteen minutes but Paulinho halved the defecit two minutes before the break. Da Silva levelled on the hour but a second from Flavio 8 minutes later put Rio Branco ahead again. Bragantino rallied and Danilo Bueno levelled 14 minutes from time and Lucio grabbed the winner six minutes from time. Finally Mirassol made it back to back wins after a single goal from Eder Marcelo 17 minutes from time gave them victory over Mogi Mirim.

The weekend ahead may see the debut of Robinho for Santos as they take on São Paulo. Otherwise they line up like this

Rio Claro x Oeste
Corinthians x Sertãozinho
Ituano x Barueri
Monte Azul x Paulista
São Paulo x Santos
Bragantino x Palmeiras
Mirassol x São Caetano
Ponte Preta x Portuguesa
Rio Branco x Santo André
Botafogo SP x Mogi Mirim

Copa Libertadores 1st Phase 2nd Legs Part 1

Libertad 3-1 Deportivo Táchira
Libertad advances on goal difference
Cruzeiro 7-0 Real Potosí
Cruzeiro advances 4-1 on points
Estudiantes Tecos 1-2 Juan Aurich
Juan Aurich advances 6-0 on points
Racing Club 2-0 Junior
Racing Club advances 4-1 on points

Libertad gained their place in Group 4 after a come from behind victory over Deportivo Táchira in Ausución. With a goal lead from the first game Deportivo Táchira doubled their lead on aggregate and gained an away goal to boot when Pedro Boada put them ahead with half an hour gone. It was a long way back for Libertad but they reduced the defecit 5 minutes before half time through Rodolfo Gamarra. Pablo Velazquez then levelled the tie half way through the second half but with 9 minutes left he sent the majority of the small crowd home happy when he grabbed the winner on aggregate. Cruzeiro cruised into Group 7 after a comfortable win over a Real Potosí side that finished with 9 men. Two goal in two minutes around the half hour mark from Marquinhos Paraná and Thiago Ribeiro put Cruzeiro in control and further goal from Kléber and Jonathan before half time effectively killed the tie. Frustration set in for Real Potosí and Gerado Yecerotte was first to see red a minute into the half before being followed by Gonzalo Galindo with 16 minutes to go. The 9 men held out but Cruzeiro added three more goals in the final three minutes from Eliandro, Bernando and Joffre Guerron.

Juan Aurich made it into Group 3 after victory in Mexico against Estudiantes Tecos. Luis Tejada extended the aggregate lead to three and grabbed a valuable away goal just before half time. Willy Rivas then got himself sent off for Juan Aurich 20 minutes into the second half but it didn't deter the Peruvians who doubled their lead on the night through Ricardo Ciciliano. Fredy Bareiro got a consolation for Estudiantes Tecos but Juan Aurich progressed without much difficulty. Racing Club now go into a tough looking Group 1 after a 2-0 victory over Junior of Colombia. Liber Quiñones was the hero on the night for Racing Club, his coooly taken penalty after 13 minutes put the Uruguayans ahead and he killed the tie off with a second three minutes from time. Victor Cortes was dismissed for the visitors in injury time to cap off a miserable night.

The final two games in the qualifying round take place next week alongside some of the opening games in the group phase.

Fan death mars round 2

Rosario 0-1 Tigre
Arsenal 0-3 Vélez Sársfield
Colón 2-1 Racing Club
Gimnasia 3-1 Estudiantes
Huracán 2-1 Newell's Old Boys
Banfield 0-0 Argentinos Juniors - match abandoned
Boca Juniors 3-1 Lanús
Chacarita Juniors 2-3 River Plate
San Lorenzo 0-1 Godoy Cruz
Independiente 3-1 Atlético Tucumán

There would be plenty to talk about from Argentina after the midweek round of games, but sod it, it's simply not that important. As Newell's fans hit the motorway back to Rosario after their game against Huracán, a coach was shot at by a gang brandishing machine guns. Three people were hit, two of whom are now in stable conditions, but a 14-year old fan died as a result of injuries sustained in the attack. Guns have been a problem in Argentinian football in the past, but the key word there is past. This comes at a time when the very worst excesses seemed to be behind us and we have to face the facts that times have not changed and this hardcore will not go away without concerted, co-ordinated action. Nobody should go to a game of football and not return home and it's even more distressing when it's a young boy with his whole life in front of him.

This weekend's fixtures follow, and hopefully they will pass off without any reprisals for Huracán or escalations. Violence does breed violence. Let's hope sanity prevails.

Lanús v Argentinos Juniors
Newell's Old Boys v Boca Juniors
Vélez Sársfield v Gimnasia
Tigre v Colón
Chacarita Juniors v Banfield
Estudiantes v San Lorenzo
River Plate v Rosario Central
Racing Club v Arsenal
Atlético Tucumán v Huracán
Godoy Cruz v Independiente

Banfield start defence with a win

Godoy Cruz 1-0 Gimnasia
Estudiantes 3-0 Arsenal
Tigre 0-2 Chacarita Juniors
Vélez Sársfield 1-1 Colón
Racing Club 3-0 Rosario Central
Atlético Tucumán 0-1 San Lorenzo
River Plate 0-1 Banfield
Lanús 3-2 Huracán
Newell's Old Boys 0-0 Independiente
Argentinos Juniors 2-2 Boca Juniors

Banfield began the defence of their title with a win away at River Plate as the Clausura kicked off at the weekend. Sebastian Fernandez got the only goal as the champions adapt to life after Santiago Silva. He's back with Vélez Sársfield and was on target late in the first half, but his team failed to hang on, Lucas Acosta ensuring a share of the spoils for Cólon. Estudiantes start the season as favourites and showed why with a three-goal win over Arsenal. In-demand Mauro Boselli struck twice after Marcelo Carrusca put them ahead. Arsenal finished with ten men after Cristian Campestrini was sent off for a second yellow. Racing Club had a great Torneo de Verano and picked it right up, also winning 3-0. Pablo Luguercio and Matias Martinez had them two up before the break and Claudio Bieler wrapped it up.

It looks to be another season of struggle for Tigre, Mariano Echeverria scoring twice for Chacarita as they won at a canter. Huracán endured a torrid Apertura as well and they too started the Clausura in defeat. They blew a two-goal lead, built up by Patricio Toranza and Gaston Machín. Gonzalo Castillejos pulled one back with quarter of an hour left and Maxi Velazquez struck a penalty to level it five from time as Gonzalo Garcia was sent off. Castillejos then struck a winner in stoppage time as Lanús pulled off a great escape.

Newell's, runners up last time, were held to a 0-0 draw by Independiente, but San Lorenzo start with a win, Fabian Bordagaray with the only goal of the game. Juan Riquelme did start, and score, for Boca, but they were pegged back twice by Argentinos Juniors. Martin Palermo put Boca in front on the stroke of half-time, but an Ezequiel Munoz own goal equalised ten minutes from the end. Riquelme restored the lead within five minutes, but deep into stoppage time, Ismael Sosa grabbed a point for Argentinos. Finally, Federico Higuain grabbed a late winner for Godoy Cruz at home to Gimnasia.

We've got a midweek round following straight on as well:

Rosario Central v Tigre
Arsenal v Vélez Sársfield
Colón v Racing
Gimnasia v Estudiantes
Huracán v Newell's Old Boys
Banfield v Argentinos Juniors
Boca Juniors v Lanús
Chacarita Juniors v River Plate
San Lorenzo v Godoy Cruz
Independiente v Atlético Tucumán

The La Plata derby between Gimnasia and Estudiantes looks the pick and we'll wrap up all the action later in the week.

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara Week 5

Resende 4-2 Tigres do Brasil
Americano 1-3 Volta Redonda
Botafogo 2-1 América
Bangu 3-0 Duque de Caxias
Boavista 3-0 Olaria
Friburguense 0-3 Vasco da Gama
Macaé 1-2 Madureira
Fluminense 3-5 Flamengo

Resende finally picked up their first win of the season with a 4-2 win over Tigres. Resende were three up by half time, a double from Elias and the third from Hiroshi right on half time. Hiroshi then grabbed a second 20 minutes into the second half before Tigres made the scoreline look respectable after goals from Jailson and Oziel. Volta Redonda made it two wins on the spin with a 3-1 win away at Americano. Mário César put Volta Redonda up on the half hour before late strikes from Washington and Adriano Felício wrapped things up. Botafogo continued their recovery after the Vasco debacle and a first win for new coach Joel Santana. They did it the hard way though after falling behind to a goal from Adriano half way through he first half. Sebastian Abreu's first goal for Botafogo levelled things ten minutes before hald time. It looked like Botafogo's play off chances may be hampered by a draw by Caio struck three minutes from time to eusure they kept the pressure on Madureira.

Madurerira remain in second in Group B after a 2-1 away victory at Macaé, who remain rooted to the bottom of the table. Vasco de Gama remain top of Group B after a comfortable 3-0 away win at Friburguense. After two years out of the game, you can't keep the man down as Dodô followed last weeks hat-trick against Botafogo with another treble strike to claim all three points for Vasco. Bangu picked up their first win of the season with a 3-0 win over Duque de Caxias. Bruno Santos put Bangu ahead after 10 mintues and Somalia doubled the advantage six minutes before the break. Sassa put the icing on the cake for Bangu in injury time at the end of the second half. Olaria fell to their first defeat of the season when they were comfortably beaten by Boavista. The goals came late in the second half, Tony with the first and Leo Guerriro with the second as Boavista kept their push for a play off place.

The big game of the weekend was of course at the Maracanã for the 371st Fla-Flu. Fluminense were on the back of a great run stretching back into last year and Flamengo hadn't made the best start to the season having conceded in every game they have played this season. That continued as Fluminense raced into a tenth minutes lead when Alan fired them ahead. Dario Conca doubled the advantage form the spot five minutes before half time, but Adriano pulled a goal back also from the penalty spot two minutes later, the first goal Fluminense had conceded all season. Cassio restored Fluminense's two goal lead just before half time after a deflection took the ball away from Bruno. Whatever was said in the Flamengo dressing room at half time had the desired effect. Eight minutes after half time the teams were level, Vagner Love with the first goal before Kleberson arrived late at the back post to level matters. Flamengo then had Alvaro sent off half way through the second half but the ten men rallied and Adriano put Flamengo ahead for the first time with 9 minutes to go after good work from Vagner Love. As Fluminense searched for an equaliser, Adriano broke away in the last minute and completed his hat-trick to complete a remarkable comeback for Flamengo.

Midweek round? Of course. The crucial game at Madureira where second place is up for grabs in Group B when Botafogo are the visitors.

Bangu x Americano
Duque de Caxias x Volta Redonda
Tigres do Brasil x Macaé
Madureira x Botafogo
Flamengo x Olaria
Friburguense x América
Resende x Vasco da Gama
Fluminense x Boavista

Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 5

Barueri 3-2 Rio Claro
Santos 2-0 Oeste
São Caetano 2-2 Monte Azul
Mogi Mirim 1-1 Bragantino
Corinthians 1-0 Palmeiras
Portuguesa 1-2 Botafogo SP
Sertãozinho 2-2 São Paulo
Paulista 0-2 Mirassol
Ituano 1-2 Santo André
Rio Branco 1-2 Ponte Preta

Barueri finally picked up their first win of the season with a 3-2 win over Rio Claro. Marcos Assunção and Tadeu had Barueri two up at half time and a second for Assunção on the hour made it three. A quick fire double from Osny for Rio Claro right back in the game but Barueri managed to hang on. Robinho was presented at Vila Belmiro alongside Pelé and it inspired Santos were too strong for Oeste. André Felipe and Neymar with second half goals to put Santos in second place. Monte Azul threw away a two goal lead at São Caetano to end up with a share of the spoils. A goal in each half from Borebi put Monte Azul in a commanding position but Hugo halved the defecit before Eduardo levelled things with 12 minutes to go.

Mogi Mirim got the best possible start against Bragantino when Geovane had them a goal up within 60 seconds. Paulinho levelled for Bragantino seven minutes into the second half to give each side a point and leave them in mid-table. The big game of the weekend saw Corinthians and Palmeiras face up. The game was settled by a single goal and it came six minutes into the game, Jorge Henrique with the header that put Corinthians top of the table despite the sending off of Roberto Carlos. Palmeiras pressed for an equaliser but Felipe in the Corinthians goal kept his side in the lead and the Palmeiras challenge ended with the sending off of Cleiton Xavier. Botafogo SP moved into third after a win at Portuguesa. Ademir Sopa put them ahead just after half time and Xuxa wrapped things up four minutes from time. Marco Antônio's penalty for Portuguesa in injury time was mere consolation.

São Paulo's problems continue as they relied on an injury time equalizer at Sertãozinho to rescue a point. Thiago Silvy put the home side ahead after 54 minutes but Léo Lima replied for São Paulo within two minutes. Mendes put Sertãozinho ahead just beyond the hour and it looked like they were on the cards for a famous win until Jorge Wágner struck four minutes into injury time. Mirassol collected their first win of the season away at Paulista. A second half double from Lins giving Mirassol the points. Ituano were knocked off the top of the table after a home defeat to Santo André. Rodriguinho put Santo André ahead eleven minutes into the second half before Rafael Silva doubled the lead half way through the second half. Rodrigão pulled a goal back for Ituano but Santo André held on climb into fourth. Ponte Preta remain on the edges of play off contention after a come from behing win at Rio Branco. Anselmo Ramon put Rio Branco ahead after 20 minutes but Leandrinho levelled seven minutes before the break. Fabiano Gadelha grabbed the winner for Ponte Preta ten minutes from time.

Week 6 takes place in midweek and they line up like this.

Monte Azul x Ituano
Sertãozinho x Rio Claro
Barueri x Botafogo SP
Oeste x Paulista
Ponte Preta x Corinthians
São Paulo x São Caetano
Palmeiras x Portuguesa
Bragantino x Rio Branco
Santo André x Santos
Mirassol x Mogi Mirim

Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 4

Rio Claro 3-1 São Caetano

Santos 5-0 Barueri

Portuguesa 0-1 Mogi Mirim

Santo André 2-2 Oeste

Corinthians 1-1 Mirassol

Monte Azul 0-1 Palmeiras

São Paulo 3-0 Paulista

Sertãozinho 0-0 Rio Branco

Botafogo SP 1-0 Ponte Preta

Bragantino 3-4 Ituano

Week 4 opened with a shock as bottom of the league Rio Claro beat top of the table São Caetano. After a scorless first half Rio Claro turned the game on it's head in the opening 5 minutes of the second half, Willian Alves scoring with the half less than 60 second old before Edu Sales doubled the lead from the spot. Mirandinha made it three half way through the second half before Eduardo gained some conslation for São Caetano. Santos bounced back from their defeat at the weekend to crush Barueri. André Felipe's 33rd minute goal put Santos ahead at the break but they went goal mad in the last 20 minutes. Wesley doubled the lead on 70 minutes and Zé Eduardo made it 3-0 moments later. Neymar then chipped in with a double, the second one a penalty, to wrap things up. Portuguesa fell to their first defeat of the season when a Luis Mario goal seven minutes before half time gave Mogi Mirim their second successive win.

Oeste came from a goal behind to grab a point at Santo André. Ricardo Bueno put the visitors ahead early doors but they were behind by half time after goal from Cesar Augusto and Rodriguinho. Santo André were three minutes away from maximum points but Kleber grabbed an equaliser for Oeste. A clearly overweight Ronaldo grabbed his first goal of the championship when he fired holders Corinthians into the lead just before half time against Mirassol. The visitors fought back to claim their third successive draw when Ferreira levelled thirteen minutes into the second half and held on despite finishing with 10 men. Palmeiras went back to the top of the table after a Cleiton Xavier penalty after half an hour was enough to see the Big Green home at Monte Azul.

São Paulo have suddenly got the winning habit and confortably disposed of Paulista at the Morumbi. Dagoberto put them ahead after half an hour and then doubled the lead ten minutes into the second half. André Dias wrapped things up with 25 minutes left. The game between Sertãozinho and Rio Branco finished goalless. Botafogo SP moved into 7th place after a single goal from the head of André with 20 minutes to go gave them victory over Ponte Preta. The last game of the round turned into a 7 goal thriller as Ituano took over at the top of the table after a last minute winner away at Bragantino. Simão put Ituano ahead with 13 minutes on the clock but 9 minutes later Lucio levelled matters and it stayed that way til half time. Welton then put Ituano ahead for a second time six minutes into the second half only for Marcelo Godri to level things again 14 minutes later. Ituano again took the lead thirteen minutes from time through Alemão but again Bragantino wouldn't lie down and Carlos Frontini again levelled things with seven minutes to go. It looked like it was going to be a point each but Rodrigão grabbed a dramatic winner in injury time to send Ituano top.

The weekend ahead see them line up like this, the big game sees Corinthians take on Palmeiras.

Barueri x Rio Claro

Santos x Oeste

São Caetano x Monte Azul

Mogi Mirim x Bragantino

Corinthians x Palmeiras

Portuguesa x Botafogo SP

Sertãozinho x São Paulo

Paulista x Mirassol

Ituano x Santo André
Rio Branco x Ponte Preta