Monday 14 September 2009

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 24

São Paulo 2-0 Avaí
Flamengo 3-0 Sport Recife
Atlético Miniero 2-1 Atlético Paranaense
Internacional 2-3 Cruzeiro
Vitória 3-2 Palmeiras
Santos 1-0 Santo André
Botafogo 0-0 Fluminense
Barueri 3-1 Goiás
Náutico 0-2 Grêmio

Things are hotting up in Brazil and defeats for the top two put São Paulo right back in the race to claim a fifth straight title. São Paulo kicked things off in Round 24 by defeating an Avaí team which after such a long unbeated run fell to their third straight defeat. Dagoberto put São Paulo ahead just after half time with a sharp turn and finish, São Paulo then had a goal bizarrely disallowed before Hugo's header sealed the points. Flamengo were ahead inside two minutes against Sport after Adriano's curling effort found the top corner. Ze Roberto doubled the advantage on the half hour after a quick break. Sport then lost Durval to a straight red corad for an elbow and Adriano went level at the top of the goal scoring charts with his second in the last minute of the game. Atlético-MG hauled themselved back into title contention after a come from behind win over Atlético-PR. Atlético-PR went ahead in the 10th minute when Alex Miniero (confusing I know) headed the opening goal. The lead lasted only 4 minutes before Wason Renteria was left unmarked in the 6 yard area to head Atlético-MG level. Diego Tardelli, back from international duty, got the winner 18 minutes from time when he lashed in a shot from the edge of the area. The win lifed Atlético-MG into fourth.

Inter became the first of the top 2 to come unstuck when they crashed 3-2 at home to Cruzeiro. Alecsandro put Inter ahead from the penalty spot after 29 minutes. Cruzeiro were level 7 minutes later, also from the spot when Gilberto converted to send the side in level at half time. Gilberto then put Cruzeiro ahead 8 minutes into the second half when he headed home but Inter again fought back and Andrezinho's free kick levelled things with 16 minutes to go. But again Inter conceded almost immediately after scoring and Thiago Ribiero slammed home the winner two minutes later. Vitória picked up their first win in 4 after defeated leaders Palmeiras. Uelliton put Vitória ahead after 20 minutes when an attempted punch clear from Marcos hit him square in the face and went in but Robert levelled to send the teams in all square at half time. Neto Berola put Vitória ahead before Derlei doubled the advantage with 6 minutes to go. Robert got his second, and pulled a goal back for Palmeiras but it turned out to be little more than consolation. Santo André stay in the last relegation place after a 1-0 defeat at Santos. Germano headed the only goal of the game 6 minutes before half time as Santos remain just in the top half of the table.

The big relegation clash in Rio ended goalless between Botafogo and Fluminense. Chances were at a premium, Andre Lima went close for Botafogo whilst Fluminense had a goal disallowed for offside. Barueri picked up their first win in 3 after defeating Goiás. Marcio Careca put Barueri up in the 11th minute with a powerful show but Vitor levelled for Goiás just 4 minutes later with an absolute rasper. It stayed that way until 11 minutes from time when Thiago Humberto Barueri ahead after a 1-2 with Careca before Basílio wrapped things up two minutes from time. Grêmio moved into 6th after a 2-0 win away at Náutico. Souza headed Grêmio ahead with 18 minutes on the clock and eight minutes later Jonas joined Adriano at the top of the goal scoring charts when he showed great skill in the box to double the lead. Grêmio finished the game with 10 men though, Maxi López seeing red for two yellow cards.

The final game of the round is on Wednesday night when Coritiba entertain Corinthians. We'll be back with that on Thursday and then a round up of the final Sudamericana first round ties on Friday.

No comments: