That Was The Year That Was

As 2011 draws to a close the CONMEBalls team would like to thank in no particular order

Premier Sports TV – For their support and continued coverage of South American Football in the UK

Will Downing – For the late nights covering the games

Jon Cotterill – For his help during the year and having what would be my dream job

Bira Brasil – For the continuous mentions after we’ve tweeted in during the live games

All our colleagues and friends who also have great websites that pretty much cover what we do and a little bit more as well (see the links section) and if we've missed you off please don't be offended. We love you all.

And most importantly you, the people who take the time to read what we write. We thank you for your continued support.

After this weeks Ex-Pat of the Week we will be taking a short break until the State League action gets underway in Brazil in mid-January and the Copa Libertadores qualifying round towards the end of the month. We look forward to bringing you all the action again in 2012. Our sister site, Euroballs will continue to operate while we hit the beach for some well deserved rest and relaxation.

If you have an interest in a particular area of South American football and would like to share your passion for the Peruvian/Chilean/whichever league, we’d be very happy to accommodate you.

Finally, from all the team at CONMEBalls, we would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2012.

2011 Craque do Brasileirão Awards

The annual awards ceremony took place at Teatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro on Monday to celebrate the achievements of the 2011 Brasileirão season. The ceremony is run in conjunction by the CBF and media outlet Globo.

Here is who won what

Player of the Year: Neymar (Santos).

Leading scorer: Borges (Santos) with 23 goals

Craque da Galera: Dedé (Vasco da Gama)
This award is voted for by a fan vote and Dedé got 46% of that vote

Best Newcomer: Wellington Nem (Figueirense)

Coach of the Year: Ricardo Gomes/Cristóvão Borges (Vasco)

Referee of the Year: Leandro Vuaden

Team of the year 4-4-2 (apparently)

Goalkeeper: Jefferson (Botafogo)
Right Back: Fagner (Vasco da Gama)
Centre Back: Dedé (Vasco da Gama)
Centre Back: Réver (Atlético-MG)
Left Back: Bruno Cortês (Botafogo)
Midfield: Ralf (Corinthians)
Midfield: Paulinho (Corinthians)
Midfield: Diego Souza (Vasco da Gama)
Midfield: Ronaldinho Gáucho (Flamengo)
Forward: Neymar (Santos)
Forward: Fred (Fluminense)

Premier Sports TV is the home of the Brasileirão Petrobras in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0871 663 9000

Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 38

São Paulo 4-1 Santos
Internacional 1-0 Grêmio
Cruzeiro 6-1 Atlético Mineiro
Atlético Goianiense 5-1 América Mineiro
Atlético Paranaense 1-0 Coritiba
Bahia 2-1 Ceará
Avaí 1-1 Figueirense
Botafogo 1-1 Fluminense
Vasco da Gama 1-1 Flamengo
Corinthians 0-0 Palmeiras

Corinthians are the 2011 Brasileirão Petrobras champions after a a spiteful score less draw with arch enemies Palmeiras at the Pacaembu in front of the Premier Sports TV cameras. After the untimely death of Sócrates early in the morning before the game a respectful moment of silence was observed by all in the stadium. When the action started it was Palmeiras who were the more likely to break the deadlock. Deola in the Palmeiras goal was reduced to a mere spectator at times. With the news that Diego Souza had put Vasco da Gama ahead at Engenhão after half an hour filtering through the ground at half time, Corinthians were still in the box seat for the title but going behind would be a complete disaster. The fun and games at the Pacaembu began two minutes after the break when Jorge Valdivia was sent off for a forearm but the news from Rio that Flamengo has equalised through Renato Abreu settled nerves amongst Corinthians supporters. Then the news got better for Corinthians as Vasco had Jumar sent off twenty minutes from time but two minutes later it was ten a side when Wallace was shown a red card. The tension was unbearable at the Pacaembu especially when Palmieras rattled the woodwork but the news came through it was all over at Vasco and the fans began celebrating a fifth title. Then came the good old fashioned South American punch up in injury time, Palmeiras substitue João Vitor was sent off for a nasty challenge on Jorge Henrique. The Palmieras bench thought there had been a severe over reaction and piled into the midfielder. Leandro Castan of Corinthians got a red card for his part in it all but how Luan of Palmeiras stayed on after kicking Jorge Henrique right under the nose of the assistant we will never know. The final whistle went in the Pacaembu and the celebrations started in true style with the fireworks going off left, right and centre. It was a fitting finish for Corinthians and a tribute to the Doctor.

While Flamengo secured their place in the Copa Libertadores next year with that point at Vasco, it was Internacional who sneaked in the at back door to claim the fifth and final spot via league qualification. For most of the night São Paulo were in the box seat as they ripped a reserve Santos side to bits in Mogi Mirim. Luís Fabiano, Cicero and Lucas Silva had São Paulo three up at half time but Elano pulled a goal back on the hour. A second for Fabiano ten minutes from time wrapped things up for São Paulo. Internacional made it into the Libertadores after victory in the 389th Gre-Nal at the Beira-Rio. The only goal came on the hour when Argentinian Andres D'Alessandro converted from the spot to give them the win and send them to Colombia for their Libertadores qualifying tie. Figuerense were denied the chance of qualifying when they were held by already relegation local rivals Avaí at the Recassada. Diogo Orlando put Avaí ahead a minutes before the break but Figueirense levelled two minutes after the restart through Heber. Figueirense then had Julio Cesar sent off shortly afterwards but with Inter winning they were always behind on that count.

The relegation picture was settled pretty early in the afternoon as Cruzeiro brushed aside uninterested local rivals Atlético-MG in Sete Lagoas. Cruzeiro who needed to win to guarantee their place in the top flight were four up at half time after goals from Roger, Leandro Guerreiro, Anselmo Ramon and Fabrício. Wellington Paulista made it five on the just before the hour before Réver pulled a goal back for Atlético-MG. The game finished ten a side after Wellington Paulista and Werley were sent off after clashing thirteen minutes from time and Everton capped a remarkable day for Cruzeiro with the sixth in injury time. Atlético-PR were relegated for the first time in their history despite denying local rivals Coritiba a spot in the Libertadores with victory at the Arena de Baixada. Ecuadorian striker Joffre Guerrón got the only goal of the game seventeen minutes from time but the home side finished with ten men after Fabrício Carioca was sent off in injury time. Ceará were also relegation after losing at Bahia, who themselved sneaked into the last Copa Sudamericana place for next season. Camacho put Bahia ahead with thirteen minutes gone and Lulinha doubled the lead two minutes before the break. Felipe Azevedo pulled a goal back for Ceará almost instantly but the news from Sete Lagoas at half time saw the game fizzle out into a damp squib.

Fluminense secured third place and spot in the group stage of the Libertadores after they ended up settling for a point in Volta Redonda against Botafogo. The Tricolor were ahead with just five minutes gone when Fred got his 22nd of the season, leaving him one behind Borges of Santos but Felipe Menezes levelled for Botafogo seven minutes later. Fluminense finished with ten men after Erwin Valencia was sent off fourteen minutes from time but after their shocking start to the season Fluminense must be happu with their third palced finish. Finally Atlético-GO secured a place in the Copa Sudamericana when they took already relegated América-MG to the cleaners at the Serra Dourada. Felipe put Atlético-GO ahead with ten minutes gone before Mario doubled the lead from the spot five minutes later. Gilson put Atlético-GO three ahead at the break but Thiago Carleto pulled one back for América-MG on the hour. This spurred Atlético-GO onto greater things as Anailson got a fourth twenty minutes from time before Paulo Henrique wrapped up Atlético-GO's biggest win of the season five minutes from time.

So, this is who got what in Brazil this year

Champions: Corinthians
Copa Libertadores Group Stage: Santos (as holder), Fluminense, Vasco da Gama (via Copa do Brasil)
Copa Libertadores Qualifiers: Flamengo, Internacional
Copa Sudamericana: São Paulo, Figueirense, Coritiba, Botafogo, Palmeiras, Grêmio, Atlético Goianiense, Bahia
Relegated: Atlético Paranaense, Ceará, América Mineiro, Avaí

So that's it for the 2011 Brasileirão Petrobras and it's congratulations once again to Corinthians. That isn't the end of the year here at CONMEBalls, we have both legs of the Copa Sudamericana final plus we will be keeping tabs on Santos at the FIFA World Club Cup. The national competition will return mid-May 2012 but don't forget our coverage of the Campeonato Paulista and Campeonato Carioca begins in the middle of January and the 2012 Copa Libertadores gets underway in the last week of January.

I would like to thank everyone who takes the trouble to read this every week and especially everyone who follows us on twitter. It's been a pleasure bringing you all the action from one of the most exciting leagues in the world.

Premier Sports TV is the home of the Brasileirão Petrobras in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0871 663 9000

Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 37

Palmeiras 1-0 São Paulo
Santos 1-1 Bahia
Flamengo  1-0 Internacional
Fluminense 1-2 Vasco da Gama
Grêmio 2-2 Atlético Goianiense
Atlético Mineiro  4 - 0  Botafogo
Figueirense  0-1 Corinthians
Coritiba  1-0  Avaí
América Mineiro 2-1 Atlético Paranaense
Ceará  2-2 Cruzeiro

The penultimate week of the season and still so much to be decided in the Brasileirão. Would Corinthians collect the title this week and who else would be joining Avaí in Série B next season.

At the Orlando Scarpelli in front of the Premier Sports TV cameras, Corinthians knew that victory over Figueirense and Vasco da Gama failing to win at the Engenhão against Fluminense would hand them the title. When Liédson put Corinthians ahead half way though the second half the massed ranks of fans believed the title was there for the taking. Then Alecsandro put Vasco ahead at the Engenhão with thirteen minutes left and it was as you were in the title race. The Corinthians fans were celebrating again when Fred levelled for Fluminense with his 21st goal of the season six minutes from time. They were about five mintues behind in Rio and when the full time whistle went in Florianópolis they Corinthians players stayed on the pitch and received the news of Leandro's dismissal reducing Vasco to ten men. As the party was about the get into full swing, there was injury time drama at the Engenhão when Diego Cavalieri spilled a shot and Bernardo pounced to give Vasco the win. It's all on next week now where both teams play deadly rivals, Corithians entertain Palmeiras while Vasco entertain Flamengo. The defeat for Figueirense may cost them a spot in next years Libertadores.

América-MG's relegation was finally confirmed despite a victory over Atlético-PR in Uberlândia. Leading scorer Kempes put América-MG ahead with twenty minutes gone but Atlético-PR got a life line when Paulo Baier converted from the spot on the hour. Gilson got the América-MG winner ten minutes from time to leave Atlético-PR on the brink of relegation. In another big relegation clash, Cruzeiro picked up a point at fellow strugglers Ceará to ensure that América-MG can't overtake them in the table. Ceará are also in a desperate struggle against the drop and they took the lead through Osvaldo with twenty minutes gone. Anselmo Ramon levelled three minutes later and when Paraguayan star Jose Ortigoza put Cruzeiro ahead eight minutes after the break they had secured their place in the top flight for next season. An equaliser from Daniel Marques eight minutes from time rescued a point for Ceará and gave them a fighting chance of surviving the drop next week. Bahia ensured their place in the top flight next season when they picked up a point at the Vila against Santos. In fact it was the first goal of the night that put Bahia ahead after eight minutes, Souza with the finish. Neymar's thirteenth of the season levelled matter after half an hour but Santos have that trip to Japan for the FIFA World Club Cup firmly on their minds.

The battle for the last Libertadores took a turn as well as Flamengo got themselves into poll position with victory over Internacional in Volta Redonda. Ronaldinho Gáucho put some bad press in the preceeding week behind him with the only goal of the game just before half time to leave the Rubro-Negro needing a point next week for the last spot. Coritiba have sneaked up on the edges of grabbing a Libertadores spot after victory over already relegated Avaí. The visitors had Fabiano sent off seventeen minutes from time and Jeci grabbed the all important goal six minutes from time. Avaí finished with nine men when Fernandinho was sent off a minute from time. Even with Flamengo in pole position at the moment the last Libertadores spot will be betweem them, Inter, Figueirense and Coritiba next week.

São Paulo's Libertadores hopes were ended when they fell to defeat to Palmeiras at the Pacaembu. Marcos Assunção with the only goal of the game ten minutes after half time to give Felipão back to back wins. São Paulo finished with ten men when Rivaldo was sent off in injury time. Botafogo's disastrous end to the season continued as Loco Abreu missed a penalty as their crushing defeat at Atlético-MG ended their feint Libertadores hopes as well. Daniel Carvalho put Atlético-MG ahead from the spot with a quarter of an hour gone and André doubled the lead ten minutes later. A second for André thirteen minutes from time sealed the points before Leonardo Silva wrapped up Atlético-MG's biggest win of the season in injury time. Finally the only game of the week that had little to no significance attached to it finished in an entertaining draw at the Olímpico. Atlético-GO took the lead  with twenty five minutes gone through Anselmo but two goals in a minute from Willian Magrão and Marquinhos put Grêmio ahead. Anderson rescued a point for Atlético-GO seven minutes from time with both teams now settled in mid-table obscurity.

So, one week to go in the 2011 Brasileirão and so much to play for. The title is up for grabs as is the final positions in Libertadores qualifying. It's two from three for the final relegation spots and it will all unfold from 7pm on Sunday. It's also rivalry round with all major Clássico matches taking place as well. They line up like this

Corinthians x Palmeiras
São Paulo x Santos
Internacional x Grêmio
Cruzeiro x Atlético Mineiro
Atlético Goianiense x América Mineiro
Atlético Paranaense x Coritiba
Bahia x Ceará
Avaí x Figueirense
Botafogo x Fluminense
Vasco da Gama x Flamengo

The Série B season came to a close at the weekend with Náutico claiming the last promotion spot for the 2012 Brasileirão. They join fellow Recife based club Sport in the top flight alongside the Paulista sides Ponte Preta and the 2011 Série B Champions Portuguesa.




Premier Sports TV is the home of the Brasileirão Petrobras in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0871 663 9000

Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 36

São Paulo 3-1 América Mineiro
Vasco da Gama 2-0 Avaí
Grêmio 1-3 Ceará
Botafogo 1-2 Internacional
Corinthians 2-1 Atlético Mineiro
Cruzeiro 1-1 Atlético Paranaense
Atlético Goianiense 0-0 Flamengo
Bahia 0-2 Palmeiras
Coritiba 1-0 Santos
Figueirense 0-4 Fluminense

On Saturday the América-MG revival was bought to a halt as they were left on the brink of relegation after defeat to São Paulo at the Morumbi. Luís Fabiano put São Paulo ahead half way through the first half and he got a second to double the lead on the stoke of half time. Juan made it three six minutes after the break but São Paulo suffered a blow when Xandão was sent off on the hour. Alessandro pulled a goal back for América-MG with twelve minutes left and it looks like their season long stay in the top flight will end this weekend. The Premier Sports TV cameras were on hand to see Vasco da Gama go to the top of the table when they condemned Avaí to relegation at the São Januário. The visitors were reduced to ten men with just twenty minutes gone when Junior Urso was sent off for a second yellow card offence. The ten men held on for a further half an hour before Felipe but Vasco ahead six minutes after the break. When Elton doubled the lead fourteen minutes later you could feel the relief from the Vasco fans. Ceará still remain in the relegation zone despite a fantastic win at Grêmio. Leading scorer Felipe Azevedo put Ceará ahead with half an hour gone but the lead lasted only seven minutes before Douglas got the tricolor back on level terms. A second for Felipe Azevedo, converting from the penalty spot, restored the Ceará lead four minutes after the break and he completed his hat-trick ten minutes later to wrap up the points.

After their title challenge floundered in midweek, managerless Botafogo's hopes of securing a place in the Libertadores next season suffered a blow when Internacional left the Engenhão with all three points. Leandro Damião put Inter ahead on the stroke of half time and Oscar doubled the lead fifteen minutes from time. Felipe Menezes pulled a goal back three minutes later but it as Inter who jumped into the final qualifying spot. In front of the Premier Sports TV cameras Corinthians went back to the top of the table after coming from behind to defeat Atlético-MG at the Pacaembu. When Leonardo Silva put Atlético-MG ahead ten minutes after the break it was just what the Vasco fans wanted to hear but Liédson thought he'd rescued a point for Corinthians thirteen minutes from time. Cometh injury time, cometh the man as Adriano, in only his fourth appearance of the season, grabbed a winner to leave Corinthians in the driving seat in the title race. Two teams threatened with relegation met in Sete Lagoas and there was nothing to separate Cruzeiro and Atlético-PR. The visitors took the lead with twenty-six minutes gone when Marcinho put them ahead but Charles levelled for Cruzeiro two minutes before the break. Neither team could find a second half winner and the result still leaves both teams in danger of the drop. No goals at the Serra Dourada as a point was enough to secure Atlético-GO's top flight status and make life very difficult for Flamengo's bid to be in the Copa Libertadores next year. It's a second straight scoreless draw for Flamengo who really need to be finding the back of the net if they are to be at the top table next year.

It took a long time coming but Palmeiras finally secured their place in the top flight next season after a first win in eleven when they defeated Bahia. Ricardo Bueno put Palmeiras ahead with twenty minutes gone to ease their fears but they only wrapped up the victory in injury time when Marcos Assuncão got the second as Bahia pressed for an equaliser. Coritiba can look forward to Copa Sudamericana action next year after they defeated Santos at the Couto Pereira. A goal from Leonardo on the hour was enough for to win it for Coritiba as Muricy Ramalho rested some of his star players with a place in Série A secured and the FIFA World Club Cup in mind. At the Orlando Scarpelli, Fluminense secured a spot in the Copa Libertadores when they ended Figuerense's fourteen match unbeaten run in spectacular fashion. After his four goal show in midweek, Fred was again the Fluminense talisman as he added a hat-trick to make it seven goals for the week and twelve in his last six games. The former Olympique Lyonnias man opened the scoring three mintues after the break and doubled the lead nine minutes later. Marquinho got in on the act with the third eighteen mintues from time before Fred wrapped up his hat-trick five minutes from time to take him to twenty for the season. It was a first defeat for Figueirense since a 2-1 defeat at home to São Paulo on September 3 and leaves them in a three way fight for the last Libertadores spot.

Next week all fixtures kick off at the same time with just 180 minutes left in the season. Flamengo take their home game to Macaé and América-MG move to Uberlândia due to Stadium clashes. The title is still up for grabs, as is the last Libertadores spot while two teams are still available for the drop to Série B. They line up like this

Palmeiras x São Paulo
Santos x Bahia
Flamengo x Internacional
Fluminense x Vasco da Gama
Grêmio x Atlético Goianiense
Atlético Mineiro x Botafogo
Figueirense x Corinthians
Coritiba x Avaí
Américo Mineiro x Atlético Paranaense
Ceará x Cruzeiro

Meanwhile, the last weekend of fixtures take place in Série B at the weekend. Portuguesa will return to the top flight as Champions whilst Náutico and Ponte Preta will join them in the top flight. Five teams, Sport Recife, Bragantino, Vitória, Boa and Americana are all still in with a shout of the fourth and final promotion spot.

Premier Sports TV is the home of the Brasileirão Petrobras in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0871 663 9000
 

Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 35

Fluminense 5-4 Grêmio
Internacional 1-0 Bahia
Atlético Paranaense 1-0 São Paulo
América Mineiro 2-1 Botafogo
Palmieras 1-1 Vasco da Gama
Avaí 0-0 Cruzeiro
Ceará 0-1 Corinthians
Santos 1-1 Atlético Goianiense
Flamengo 0-0 Figueirense
Atlético Mineiro 2-1 Coritiba

Four games left as the race for the title, Libertadores spots and avoiding relegation hots up in the Brasileirão. The week opened at the Engenhão as Fluminense kept their slim title hopes alive with victory over Grêmio in a crazy game. Rafael Marques put Grêmio ahead with seventeen minutes gone but Fred levelled for Flu eight minutes later but the visitors went into the break ahead when Marquinhos struck on the stroke of half time. A second for Fred eight minutes after the break levelled matters again and the home side took the lead just after the hour when Rafael Sóbis got his tenth of the season. After a crazy two minutes spell it looked like Flu's title dream was over when first Brandão and then Adílson had Grêmio ahead with just fourteen minutes to go. However Fred converted from the spot to level the match with twelve minutes to go and then the former Lyon man won it with his fourth of the game nine minutes from time. Brandão was then sent off two minutes later and the home fans had to endure an agonising six added minutes before the three points were in the bag. Internacional remain in Libertadores contention after a ninth minute Gilberto goal was enough to see them home against Bahia at the Beira-Rio. The visitors are still not safe from the drop after this result but another victory should guarantee them top flight football next season. Atlético-PR's battle against the drop continued as they defeated a São Paulo side that will now be lucky to bring Libertadores football to the Morumbi next year. A tenth minutes strike from Ecuadorian strike Joffre Guerrón, only his fifth goal of the season, was enough to give Atlético-PR a valuable victory.

If you're going to bottom of the table for most of the year and you're going to go on a three game winning run, who better than Corinthians, Fluminense and now Botafogo as your victims as América-MG ended the Alvinegro's title hopes in Sete Lagoas last night. When Kempes put América-MG ahead from the spot, his 12th of the season, ten minutes before the break Botafogo were on thin ice and when Fábio Júnior made it two five minutes later the cracks began to appear. Sebastian Abreu got Botafogo back in the game just after the hour and when Gilson got sent off just after the visitors had a man advantage. But they couldn't make it count and now have a fight on their hands for a Libertadores spot, which they will do without Caio Júnior who was shown the door on the teams return to Rio de Janeiro. The title race took a turn when Palmeiras did hated rivals Corinthians a favour by holding Vasco da Gama at the Pacaembu. Vasco made the perfect start to the game when Dedé scored for the third game in succession with just four minutes on the clock. Now you would have expected the Palmerias fans to be happy with that, but Felipão is under huge pressure at the moment and the Big Green are in danger of the drop and they levelled eighteen minutes after the break when Luan got his ninth of the season. Avaí's three year stay in the top flight is as good as over when they were held to a goal less draw by fellow strugglers Cruzeiro at the Ressacada. The point leaves Avaí eight points short of safety now with just nine to play for. Cruzeiro remain a point ahead of safety but finished the game with ten men after Naldo was sent off five minutes from time. Vasco's draw was Corinthians gain as the Muskateers secured a vital draw at the Castelão against Ceará. The Peruvian substitute Luís Ramírez with the vital goal nine minutes from time to leave Corinthians two points clear at the top of the table. Ceará, who remain deep in relegation trouble, had Fabrício sent off after a second yellow card five minutes from time.

Where as Wednesday has produced goals galore it was a different story on Thursday night with only one game seeing a positive result. Santos left it late at the Vila to claim a point against an Atlético-GO side which is still not quite safe from the drop yet. Atlético-GO took the lead nine minutes before the break when Leonardo gave them the lead but the suffered a blow on the hour when Agenor was sent off. Cue the charge from the home side as they searched for the goal to get them back on level terms and it eventually came in the fifth minute of added time as Paulo Henrique Ganso claimed his second goal of the season to rescue a point. No goals at the Engenhão as Figuerense's six game winning run was ended by a Flamengo side who's own title challenge was all but ended. Ronaldinho Gáucho took the brunt of the Flamengo fans abuse but Figueirense blew a great chance to win the game when substitute Aloisio missed from the spot on the hour. The result also ends Figueirense's title hopes but they will still have a big say on where the crown ends up. Finally Atlético-MG moved five points clear of the relegation zone when they made it five wins out of the last seven games when they defeated Coritiba in Sete Lagoas. Neto Berola put Atlético-MG ahead with twenty minutes gone but they had to wait until ten minutes from time before Leonardo Silva grabbed the crucial second. Coritiba pulled a goal back through Bill's 12th of the season two minutes from time but Atlético-MG held on the claim the win and got one win away from safety.

Only three weeks left to go and the two title challengers are both at home this weekend.

São Paulo x América Mineiro
Vasco da Gama x Avaí - Coverage on Premier Sports TV
Grêmio x Ceará
Corinthians x Atlético Mineiro - Coverage on Premier Sports TV
Botafogo x Internacional
Cruzeiro x Atlético Paranaense
Atlético Goianiense x Flamengo
Figueirense x Fluminense
Coritiba x Santos
Bahia x Palmeiras

Premier Sports TV is the home of the Brasileirão Petrobras in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0871 663 9000

Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 34

São Paulo 2-0 Avaí
Fluminense 1-2 América Mineiro
Figueirense 2-1 Atlético Mineiro
Corinthians 2-1 Atlético Paranaense
Ceará 2-3 Santos
Coritiba 2-0 Flamengo
Grêmio 2-2 Palmeiras
Vasco da Gama 2-0 Botafogo
Cruzeiro 1-0 Internacional
Atlético Goianiense 0-1 Bahia

The Avaí hangman has his hand firmly on the trap door lever after they were pushed to the brink of relegation after a 2-0 defeat to São Paulo in the Morumbi. Luís Fabiano was the hero for the home side with his first two league goals since his return from Sevilla. The first came twelve minutes after the break and the second followed eight minutes later as São Paulo continue their fight for a Libertadores spot. The Premier Sports TV Cameras were on hand to see América-MG cap a remarkable week after they followed up victory over Corinthians by stunning Fluminense in the Engenhão. Kempes put the visitors ahead seven minutes before the break and the 40,000 strong crowd were left stunned when Alessandro double the lead twelve minutes from time. Substitute Rafael Moura pulled a goal back three minutes later to set up a frantic finish but Fluminense's hopes of retaining their title were surely left shattered by this defeat. What price Figueirense for the title after they made it six wins on the spin with a come from behind victory that stopped the mini revival of Atlético-MG. After winning their last three, Atlético-MG took the lead eight minutes before the break when Werley put them ahead. Figueirense levelled seven minutes after the break through their leading scorer Wellington Nem before Julio Cesar grabbed a winner three minutes from time to leave them in a Libertadores spot.

Corinthians will go into week 35 top of the pile after a fast and furious start gave them victory over Atlético-PR at the Pacaembu. With just two minutes on the clock Paulinho, who was being watched by representatives from Milan, put the home side ahead and Emerson doubled the lead just three minutes later. Paulo Baier pulled a goal back for Atlético-PR three minutes after the break but the home side held on for a vital victory. Santos are on their best league run of the season as they continued their preparations for the FIFA Club World Cup with victory over Ceará at the Castelão. Bruno Aguair put Santos ahead with ten minutes gone but Ceará went into the break ahead thanks to a Felipe Azevedo penalty with twenty four minutes gone and thirteen minutes later Osvaldo put the relegation threatened home side ahead. A second for Bruno Aguair levelled matters six minutes after the break before Diogo got the Santos winner with an absolute stunner eighteen minutes from time. Flamengo's title challenge also seems to be over after they fell to defeat at Coritiba in front of the Premier Sports TV cameras. Two goals in the space of six first half minutes from Leonardo and a deflected effort from Maranhão were enough to make it three wins in a row for Coritiba and leave Vanderlei Luxemburgo wondering what just has gone wrong this season. Palmeiras were moments away from a first win in eight but had to settle for a point after throwing a two goal lead away at Grêmio. Cicinho put Palmeiras ahead with twenty five minutes gone and when Marcos Assunção doubled the lead on the hour they were on course to become the fourth team to take the points from the Olímpico this season. However, Brandão pulled a goal back eight minutes later before Fernando rescued a point for the Tricolor with an injury time leveller.

Arguably the biggest game of the weekend was at the São Januário where it was second v fourth in the Clássico Alvinegro between Vasco da Gama and Botafogo. After their remarkable fightback in the Sudamericana in midweek it was Vasco who vitally hit the front with a quarter of an hour gone when Fellipe Bastos struck. After his double in midweek, Dedé got the second on the hour and although Vasco were reduced to ten when Rômulo was sent off seven minutes later there was to be no revival from Botafogo who must now surely prioritise a finishing spot in a Libertadores position. Cruzeiro hauled themselves out of the relegation zone when they dented Internacional's Libertadores hopes in Sete Lagoas. Argentinian strike Ernesto Farias with the vital goal with twenty minutes on the clock. The win puts Ceará back into the relegation zone with four games to go. Finally Bahia moved seven points clear of the relegation zone at the Serra Dourada when they inflicted a fourth straight defeat for Atlético-GO. Souza got the crucial goal for the Salvador club with just ten minutes gone but twenty minutes later he was sent off alongside the home side's Gilson after the two had been swinging the handbags.

The final midweek round takes place in midweek, the two main title protagonists are both hit the road with Corinthians at Ceará, Vasco at the Pacaembu to take on Corinthians' main rival Palmeiras and a huge relegation clash in Florianópolis between Avaí and Cruzeiro. They line up like this

Fluminense x Grêmio
Internacional x Bahia
Atlético Paranaense x São Paulo
América Mineiro x Botafogo
Palmieras x Vasco da Gama
Avaí x Cruzeiro
Ceará x Corinthians
Santos x Atlético Goianiense
Flamengo x Figueirense
Atlético Mineiro x Coritiba

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Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 33

Botafogo 0-1 Figueirense
Bahia 4-3 São Paulo
Atlético Mineiro 2-0 Grêmio
Santos 2-0 Vasco da Gama
Flamengo 5-1 Cruzeiro
Avaí 1-2 Ceará
América Mineiro 2-1 Corinthians
Palmeiras 0-2 Coritiba
Internacional 1-2 Fluminense
Atlético Paranaense 2-1 Atlético Goianiense

Week 33 and another set of crazy results as the title race hots up in Brazil. None more so at the Engenhão on Sautrday night as in form Figueirense made it twelve without defeat after a sixth minute goal from Julio Cesar was enough to give them victory. Contrast the form of Figueirense to São Paulo who have now gone nine games without a win after throwing away at two goal lead in Salvador against Bahia. Wellington put São Paulo ahead with nine minutes gone but Bahia levelled a minute after the break through Souza. Two minutes later Lucas Silva restored the São Paulo lead and when Cícero made it three on the hour you expected it to be game over. However, Lulinha halved the deficit eight minutes later before Fahel levelled matters seventeen minutes from time. The own goal from Luiz Eduardo seven minutes from time summed things up for São Paulo`s current luck and gave Bahia a vital victory in their relegation fight. Atlético-MG were another team to ease their relegation worried with a comfortable victory over Grêmio in Sete Lagoas depite the 53rd minute sending off of Neto Berola. André had put Atlético-MG ahead four minutes before the break and the ten men doubled their lead fourteen minutes courtesy of Marquinhos.

Sunday saw the Premier Sports TV cameras at the Vila as the title hope of Vasco da Gama suffered a blow as Santos registered a 2-0 victory. Neymar set Santos on their way with just three minutes gone and a twenty third goal of the season for Borges sixteen minutes from time wrapped things up. Flamengo are still in the title hunt after their destruction of Cruzeiro at the Engenhão. It all started well for the relegation threatened visitors when Anselmo Ramon put them ahead half way through the first half but Deivid levelled nine minutes before the break to go ahead of Ronaldinho Gáucho as the clubs leading scorer. A second from Deivid three minutes after the break put Flamengo ahead and a hat-trick in the space of sixteen minutes from Thiago Neves completed the rout. Despite opening the scoring the day finished on a low note for Anselmo Ramon when he was sent off six minutes from time. The big relegation battle in Florianópolis went the way of the visitors as Ceará snapped a four game losing streak to pick up a vital victory at Avaí. Thiago Humberto put Ceará ahead with fifteen minutes gone and Felipe Azevedo doubled the lead twelve minutes after the break. William pulled on back for Avaí on the hour and it seems their three year stay in the top flight is almost over.

With Vasco losing the stage was set for Corinthians to open up a lead at the top of the table but they had not reckoned with an América-MG side fighting for their Série A lives. A Fábio Júnior penalty put América-MG ahead nine minutes before the break but Corinthians also levelled from the spot on the stroke of half time through Chicão. A point was enough toedge Corinthians ahead at the top of the table but Amaral snatched a dramatic América-MG winner three minutes from time. It has been eight week since Palmeiras tasted victory and their tumble down the table continued when they were defeated by Coritiba at Arena Barueri. Davi put Coritiba ahead half way through the first half and Leonardo doubled the lead eleven minutes after the break. Palmeiras finished with then men after João Vitor was sent off twelve minutes from time. Fluminense remain in title contention after victory at the Beira-Rio against Internacional. Rafael Moura put the Tricolor ahead with seventeen minutes gone but Oscar levelled for Inter eight minutes before the break. Rafael Sóbis got the Fluminense winner on the stroke of half time as Inter finished with ten men after the dismissal of Juan nine minutes from time. Atlético-PR continue their fight against the drop after a come from behind victory over Atlético-GO at the Arena de Baixada. Anselmo put Atlético-GO ahead with twenty six minutes gone and it was not until two minutes after the break that the home side levelled through Federico Nieto. The Argentinian star then got the Atlético-PR winner nine minutes later but they remain a point away from safety.

Five games to go as they line up for week 34 in the Brasileirão Petrobras and they line up like this, the big game is the Clásico Alvinegro at the São Januário.

São Paulo x Avaí
Fluminense x América Mineiro
Figueiranse x Atlético Mineiro
Corinthians x Atlético Paranaense
Ceará x Santos
Coritiba x Flamengo
Grêmio x Palmeiras
Vasco da Gama x Botafogo
Cruzeiro x Internacional
Atlético Goianiense x Bahia

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Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 32

Santos 4-1 Atlético Paranaense   
Botafogo 1-0 Cruzeiro
Ceará 1-2 Fluminense
Corinthians 2-1 Avaí
Vasco da Gama 0-0 São Paulo 
Grêmio 4-2 Flamengo
Figueirense 2-1 Bahia
Atlético Mineiro 2-1 Palmeiras
Coritiba 3-1 América Mineiro 
Atlético Goianiense 0-1 Internacional

The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Pacaembu on Saturday night as the Neymar show gave Santos all three points against Atlético-PR. Santos were ahead inside two minutes when Neymar converted from the spot and he had a second controversially ruled out just before the break. They were made to pay six minutes into the second half when Joffre Guerrón levelled for the visitors. Two minutes later a second penalty from Neymar restored the Santos lead and he completed his hat-trick two minutes later. A fourth with twenty minutes to go crowned off a night for the young super star. Botafogo remain in title contention after an edgy and nervy victory over Cruzeiro at the Engenhão. A goal nine minutes after the break from Uruguayan Sebastian Abreu enough to separate the sides. Cruzeiro though are still looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone below them. Fluminense are still in with a shout of retaining their title after coming from behind to win at Ceará. Felipe Azevedo put the home side ahead with seven minutes on the clock but Rafael Sóbis levelled for Fluminense after half an hour. A draw wasn`t really good enough for Flu but a second for Rafael Sóbis on the hour won it for the Tricolor.

With the Premier Sports TV cameras witnessing a goal less draw between Vasco da Gama and São Paulo, Corinthians took full advantage to go back top of the table after victory over Avaí at the Pacaembu. They did it the hard way though after falling behing to a twelfth minute goal from Robinho and suffering the dismissal of Leandro Castan five minutes into the second half. Emerson levelled matters just after the hour and home fans went wild when Liédson put them ahead with twelve minutes to go. The title challenge of Flamengo is almost over after they threw away a two goal in at Grêmio. Deivid put Flamengo ahead with 23 minutes gone and when Thiago Neves doubled the lead eleven minutes later you could think that was job done. André Lima pulled a goal back four minutes before the break and his second levelled matters five minutes into the second half. Dougles capped the Grêmio fightback eleven minutes from time before Argentinian Ezequiel Miralles came off the bench to seal it with a fourth six minutes from time. Figueirense will be in the top flight next year after coming from behind to defeat Bahia. After a score less first half Diones put Bahia ahead nine minutes after the break but they led for less than sixty seconds before Fernandes levelled matters. A second for Fernandes half way through the second half won it for Figueirense.

Palmeiras in grave danger of being sucked into the relegation fight and defeat in Sete Lagoas against Atlético-MG will not help matters. Neto Berola put Atlético-MG ahead eight minutes before the break and Fillipe Soutto doubled the lead on the hour. Then Palmeiras has Maurício Ramos and Chilean Jorge Valdivia sent off within a minute of each other before the nine men got a consolation goal from Luan seven minutes from time. Coritiba hit the 45 point mark and all but secured their place in next years top flight after a 3-1 victory which pushed América-MG closer to the relgation zone. América-MG took the lead through Kempes with sixteen minutes gone but Rafinha levelled for Coritiba three minutes later. Four minute later Davi put Coritiba ahead and they sealed victory five minutes from time when Jeci got the third. Internacional remain dark horses to snatch the last Libertadores spot after they claimed a great victory at the Serra Dourada against Atlético-GO. One goal was enough to win it for Inter and it came on the hour from Kleber. The win leaves Inter two points behind Fluminense who currently lie fourth.

Six games left and still an awful lot to be sorted in the Brasileirão and week 33 takes place next weekend. They line up like this

Botafogo x Figueirense   
Atlético Mineiro x Grêmio       
Bahia x São Paulo       
Santos x Vasco da Gama       
Flamengo x Cruzeiro       
Avaí x Ceará       
América Mineiro x Corinthians       
Palmeiras x Coritiba       
Internacional x Fluminense
Atlético Paranaense x Atlético Goianiense

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Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 31

Palmeiras 1-2 Figueirense
Fluminense 0-2 Atlético Mineiro
Avaí 3-2 Botafogo
América Mineiro 2-2 Grêmio
São Paulo 0-0 Coritiba
Atlético Paranaense 1-0 Ceará
Bahia 0-2 Vasco da Gama
Internacional 1-1 Corinthians
Flamengo 1-1 Santos
Cruzeiro 3-2 Atlético Goianiense

It's now six games without a win for Palmeiras as they crashed to defeat against Figueirense at the Candidé. Figueirense's leading scorer Wellington Nem set them on their way in the tenth minute and Julio Cesar doubled the lead fourteen minutes from time. A goal in injury time from Ricardo Bueno was scant consolation for Palmeiras as Felipão must now worry about his future at the club. The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Engenhão on Saturday as Fluminense, missing Fred and Rafael Moura, saw their title challenge dented by struggling Atlético-MG. Despite having the lions share of possession the home side went behind after ten minutes when Daniel Carvalho converted from the spot. André made it two from a set piece just before half time and Fluminense were wondering how they were two down. Atlético-MG were happy to hang on to their lead in the second half and as frustration got the better of the home side Leandro Euzébio was sent off eight minutes from time. Botafogo blew their chance to go top of the table for at least 24 hours when they let a lead slip against Avaí. Sebastian Abreu put Botafogo ahead with just nine minutes gone but Robinho levelled on the quarter hour and two minutes later Cleverson put Avaí ahead. Renato got Botafogo back on level terms after the hour but they had Lucas sent off eight minutes from time. Three minutes later Avaí got what could be three vital points in their relegation fight when Robert grabbed a winner to send the home fans home happy.

The final Saturday game in Sete Lagoas saw bottom of the table América-MG come from behind to claim a point against Grêmio. The home side went ahead with ten minutes gone through Thiago Carleto but André Lima got Grêmio level eleven minutes before the break. A second from André Lima put Grêmio ahead seven minutes after the break and they were three minutes from a rare away win until Anderson got the leveller for América-MG. Sunday started with a goal less draw at the Morumbi as São Paulo's title challenge looks to be all but over after Coritiba got the point they came for. It's seven games now since São Paulo put a notch in the W column as Coritiba edge towards safety. Atlético-PR did their relegation fight the power of good as they dragged Ceará into the relegation dog fight after a single goal victory at the Arena de Baixada. Talisman Paulo Baier got the only goal of the game just after the half hour mark to give Atlético-PR hope in their fight against the drop. The result also meant Ceará finished the weekend in the relegation zone. The Premier Sports TV cameras made the trip north to Salvador as Bahia took on title chasing Vasco da Gama. Felipe put Vasco ahead half way through the first half when his looping shot found the back of the net. Bahia had their chances to get level as Vasco began to live on their nerves a little but they secured victory in injury time when Diego Souza got their second to take the top of the table.

Corinthians dropped off the top of the table after they needed a late late goal to snatch a point at the Beira-Rio against Internacional. Corinthians were reduced to ten men four minutes before the break after Alessandro was sent off and Internacional took advantage of the extra man half way through the second half when Nei gave them the lead. Three minutes from time it was ten a side after Argentinian star Andres D'Alessandro was sent off for a second yellow card and then Alex popped with the a dramtic injury time leveller for Corinthians. These teams produced a nine goal thriller back at the Vila in June and there was no repeat at the Engenhão as it finished honours even between Flamengo and Santos. The visitors took the lead three minutes after the break when Neymar converted from the spot after Alan Kardec had been upended in the area. Flamengo levelled thirteen minutes from time when Deivid header from a Júnior Cesar cross went in off the posts. Flamengo are still in the title hunt but are now five points off the pace. Cruzeiro hauled themselves away from the relegation zone when they picked up their first win since week 19 after victory over Atlético-GO in Sete Lagoas. Thiago Feltri put Atlético-GO ahead with just ten minutes gone but Argentinian Ernesto Farias levelled for Cruzeiro four minutes before the break. When Felipe restored the Atlético-GO lead half way through the second half it seemed Cruzeiro's long run with victory was going to continue but two goals in the space of four minutes from Anselmo Ramon put they head for the first time and they held on to claim the victory.

In other news, Portuguesa will return to the top flight for the first time since 2008 after guaranteed promotion after a 3-2 away victory at Americana.

No midweek games as the Copa Sudamericana takes preference so with seven games to go they line up like this

Santos x Atlético Paranaense - LIVE on Premier Sports TV Saturday 9pm
Botafogo x Cruzeiro
Ceará x Fluminense
Corinthians x Avaí
Vasco da Gama x São Paulo - Coverage on Premier Sports TV
Grêmio x Flamengo
Figueurense x Bahia
Atlético Mineiro x Palmeiras
Coritiba x América Mineiro
Atlético Goianiense x Internacional

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Brasileirão Petrobras Week 21 - Catch Up

Santos 2-0 Botafogo

Last night at the Vila, Botafogo missed out on the chance to go top of the Brasileirão after a 2-0 defeat against Santos in the Week 21 catch up game last night. Neymar, with his new haircut, put Santos ahead with a quarter of an hour gone after a twisting run saw him beat international colleague Jefferson in the bottom corner. Thirteen minutes later and the hosts were two goals to the good, Borges with this 22nd goal of the season after his volley flew past the help less Jefferson from twenty yards out.

The victory for Santos lifts them to eleventh in the standings but Botafogo will be regretting their missed opportunity to go top. They remain in third two points behind Corinthians and Vasco da Gama but crucially now their game in hand has gone.

Don't forget week 31 takes place this weekend and they line up like this. Please note there has been a change to the advertised game on Sunday as well.

Palmeiras x Figueirense
Fluminense x Atlético Mineiro - Live on Premier Sports TV - Saturday 9pm
Avai x Botafogo
América Mineiro x Grêmio
São Paulo x Coritiba
Internacional x Corinthians
Atlético Paranaense x Ceará
Bahia x Vasco da Gama - Coverage on Premier Sports TV
Flamengo x Santos
Cruzeiro x Atlético Goianiense

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Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 30

Figueirense 2-1 América Mineiro
Ceará 0-1 Flamengo
Palmeiras 1-2 Fluminense
Santos 0-1 Grêmio
Botafogo 2-0 Atlético Paranaense
Internacional 4-2 Avaí
Cruzeiro 0-1 Corinthians
Vasco da Gama 2-0 Atlético Mineiro
Coritiba 0-0 Bahia
Atlético Goianiense 3-0 São Paulo

On Saturday Figueirense more of less guaranteed a second season in the top flight when they came from behind to push América-MG closer to Série B. Rodriguinho put América-MG ahead eight minutes before the break but Julio Cesar levelled half way through the second half. One point was better than none for América-MG but ten minutes from time Julio Cesar picked up his second of the game to give Figueirense all three points. The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Castelão to see a goal and three red cards as Flamengo kept up their title challenge. The only goal of the game came five minutes before the break courtesy of Deivid's eleventh of the season. The fun began five minutes after the break when Ronaldinho Gáucho was sent off for kicking out and he was followed less than sixty seconds later by Heleno of Ceará in a separate incident. The third red card came in injury time and the home side were reduced to nine when Osvaldo was dismissed. The clocks went forward overnight and on Sunday the Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Candidé as Fluminense remain in the hunt to retain their title after victory over Palmeiras. Fred continued his good form when he put Fluminense ahead with ten minutes gone but Palmeiras got on level terms seventeen minutes from time when Jorge Valdivia converted from the spot. Fluminense were desperate for a win and they got a winner five minutes from time when Fred was left unmarked at the back post to make it a double on the night and five goals in his last two games.

Grêmio brushed aside their recent home troubles when they went to the Vila and returned with all three points from their trip to Santos. A twentieth minute penalty from Damien Escudero was enough to give the Tricolor all three points and more or less guarantees them safety. That can't be said for Santos who are still in danger of the dreaded drop to Série B. Botafogo are also right in the title chase, and if they win their game in hand on Wednesday could go into Week 31 top of the pile, after they disposed of and Atlético-PR side still stuck in the relegation zone. Antônio Carlos put the Alvinegro ahead with seventeen minutes gone and a coolly taken penalty from Sebastian Abreu ten minutes from time wrapped up the points. Avaí will be kicking themselves after giving away a lead at the Beira-Rio against Internacional to stay deep in the relegation zone. Robinho put Avaí ahead with eight minutes gone and they held that lead until eight minutes after the break when Andres D'Alessandro levelled for Inter. When Avaí's leading scorer William converted from the spot with eighteen minutes to go to collect his 13th goal of the season the Florianopólis club were in good holes. But Inter struck back and blew the visitors away with three quick goals, a second of the night from D'Alessandro levelled matters with thirteen minutes left and Kleber put Inter ahead two minutes later. The cruellest blow came seven minutes from time when Nei struck to give Inter a two goal advantage and all three points.

Cruzeiro are still in danger of relegation after Corinthians remained top of the league with a single goal victory in Sete Lagoas. Paulinho got the vital strike for Corinthians half way through the second half but it was tough going for them as Cruzeiro threw the kitchen sink in search of an equaliser to drag them away from the relegation zone. Vasco da Gama kept up the heat on Corinthians, only games won separates them at the moment, after they left Atlético-MG in the last relegation spot with victory at the São Januário. Vasco were ahead inside two minutes through Elton and Fágner doubled the lead with just eighteen minutes gone and Vasco went into cruise control. Atlético-MG finished the game with ten men after Serginho Mineiro was sent off on the hour after a second bookable offence. No goals at the Couto Pereira as Coritiba and Bahia produced a dour game. It's a second straight score less draw for Bahia but they are still having to look over their shoulder at the relegation zone. Finally São Paulo's title charge seems to be over after they were thumped at the Serra Dourada against Atlético-GO. The home side took the lead with twenty six minutes gone through Gilson and they doubled their lead on the hour through Felipe. Anselmo wrapped things up with a third twenty minutes from time to give them the win that more or less guarantees their place in the top flight next year.

This week the final catch up games takes place on Wednesday night.

Santos x Botafogo

Some clubs are in Copa Sudamericana action this midweek but they will be back for Week 31 next weekend and they line up like this

Palmeiras x Figueirense
Fluminense x Atlético Mineiro - Live on Premier Sports TV - Saturday 9pm
Avai x Botafogo
América Mineiro x Grêmio
São Paulo x Coritiba
Internacional x Corinthians - Coverage on Premier Sports TV
Atlético Paranaense x Ceará
Bahia x Vasco da Gama
Flamengo x Santos
Cruzeiro x Atlético Goianiense

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Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 29

São Paulo 0-0 Internacional
Grêmio 1-3 Figueirense
Avaí 2-2 Atlético Goianiense
América Mineiro 4-1 Ceará
Corinthians 0-2 Botafogo
Flamengo 1-1 Palmeiras
Bahia 0-0 Cruzeiro
Fluminense 3-1 Coritiba
Atlético Mineiro 2-1 Santos
Atlético Paranaense 2-2 Vasco da Gama

No goals at the Morumbi as São Paulo's title challenge faltered again against Internacional. It was a missed opportunity for São Paulo to get further into the title shake up while alse stalling a late run at a Libertadores spot for Inter. Grêmio fell to a fourth home defeat of the season as Figueirense all but guaranteed their spot in the top flight for next year after a 3-1 victory in the Olímpico. Aloisio put the visitors ahead twelve minutes before the break and the home fans were stunned further three minutes later when Elias doubled the lead. Grêmio got back into the game halfway through the second half when Edcarlos scored but Wellington Nem restored the two goal Figueirense cushion sixteen minutes from time. Avaí's fight against relegation continues but they needed a late late goal in order to salvage a point against Atlético-GO. It all started well for the home side when William put them ahead with seventeen minutes gone but they were behind by half time. Anselmo with the equaliser ten minutes before the break before the go ahead goal from Vítor Júnior six minutes later. Atlético-GO had Agenor sent off fifteen minutes from time and Avaí salvaged a point when William kept his cool to convert from the spot in the final minute. Bottom of the table América-MG picked up only their fourth, and biggest, win of the season when they took Ceará to the cleaners in Sete Lagoas. Fábio Júnior put América-MG ahead with twenty four minutes gone but it took until the midway point of the second half to double their lead when substitute Rodriguinho struck. Gilson made it three for América-MG eleven minutes from time but another substitute Felipe Azevedo pulled a goal back three minutes later. América-MG were not to be denied and got the fourth goal their performance deserved from Leo in injury time.

Going top of the league seems to be a curse for Corinthians as they fell to defeat against Botafogo at the Pacaembu. Uruguayan talisman Sebastian Abreu put Botafogo ahead with eleven minutes gone and Maicosuel doubled the lead just after the half hour. Despite having Bruno Cortês sent off after an hour Botafogo held on and now lie just two points behind Corinthians in the standings. Meanwhile back at the Engenhão, Flamengo remain within touching distance of the title despite letting a lead slip against Palmeiras. After a score less first half Flamengo took the lead ten minutes after the break when Thiago Neves got his seventh of the season. Palmeiras, whose preparation for the game had been over shadowed after João Vítor had been attacked by fans the day before, levelled eight minutes later through Maikon Leite. The fall out from the Vítor incident will rumble on as Kléber will be unlikely to play for the club again after falling out with the directors over the handling of the incident. The final game on Wednesday night finished goal less in Salvador as Cruzeiro did little to help their current relegation plight against Bahia. The point keeps Bahia eight points clear of the drop zone while Cruzeiro will be looking nervously over their shoulders.

Fluminense's late charge to retain their title gathered momentum again on Thursday night when they defeated Coritiba at the Engenhão. After much speculation about his future in the Seleção Fred answered his critics with a match winning hat trick. He put the Tricolor ahead with twenty four minutes gone but they were pegged back on the stroke of half time by Marcos Aurélio. The former Olympique Lyonnais striker restored the Fluminense advantage eighteen minutes from time before completing the scoring three minutes later. Atlético-MG moved to within touching distance of safety after they defeated nine man Santos in Sete Lagoas. Réver put Atlético-MG ahead with just six minutes on the clock but they were pegged back four minutes after the break when the Série A leading scorer Borges converted from the spot. Santos has Crystian sent off in the incident that let to Magno Alves penalty which won the game and then Neymar was sent off six minutes from time for a second bookable offence. After the Corinthians slip up the previous night, Vasco da Gama blew their chance to back top of the table. They also had to come from a two goal deficit at the Arena de Baixada against Atlético-PR. Paulo Baier put the home side ahead with fifteen minutes gone and the Ecuadorian Joffre Guerron doubled the lead eight minutes later. Elton halved the Atlético-PR lead midway through the second half and his second rescued a point for Vasco eight minutes from time. Corinthians now remain top of the table by virtue of games won.

This weekend is Round 30 and they line up like this:

Figueirense x América Mineiro
Ceará x Flamengo - LIVE on Premier Sports TV - Saturday 10pm
Palmeiras x Fluminense - LIVE on Premier Sports TV - Sunday 8pm
Santos x Grêmio
Botafogo x Atlético Paranaense
Internacional x Avaí
Cruzeiro x Corinthians
Vasco da Gama x Atlético Mineiro
Coritiba x Bahia Atlético
Goianiense x São Paulo

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Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 28

Cruzeiro 3-3 São Paulo
Botafogo 2-2 Bahia
Coritiba 2-0 Grêmio
América Mineiro 0-0 Atlético Mineiro
Santos 1-0 Palmeiras
Flamengo 3-2 Fluminense
Internacional 3-0 Vasco da Gama
Corinthians 3-0 Atlético Goianiense
Avaí 3-0 Atlético Paranaense
Ceará 1-1 Figueirense 

The round actually got underway last Wednesday in Sete Lagoas as Cruzeiro did nothing to help ease their relegation worries despite fighting back to claim a point against São Paulo.  On loan striker Keirrison put Cruzeiro ahead with eleven minutes gone and it took the title chasing visitors until the hour when Cícero levelled. Five minutes later São Paulo were ahead through Dagoberto but Charles levelled for the home side with nineteen minutes left.  When Juan put São Paulo ahead again with fourteen minutes left it looked like it was was the killer goal but Anselmo Ramon levelled again four minute later. The visitors completed the game with ten men when Denílson was sent off in injury time. Saturday started with ten man Bahia coming from behind to claim a point against Botafogo in front of the Premier Sports TV cameras at the Engenhão. Souza put Bahia ahead just before the half hour mark and they were reduced to ten men when Helder was sent off seven minutes before the break. Alex levelled for the Alvinegro ten minutes after the break and Caio put them ahead just two minutes later. But they ten men claimed a point when Souza got his second from then spot with an hour gone. Grêmio's wretched away form continued when they were defeated at Coritiba. Marcos Aurélio put Coritiba ahead with fifteen minutes gone and Jeci wrapped things up for the home side fifteen minutes from time. The final Saturday game saw no goals in the derby between América-MG and Atlético-MG in Sete Lagoas, a result which leaves both teams slumped at the wrong end of the table.

Sunday started with Santos snapping their three game losing run with victory over Palmeiras in a hotly contested derby in front of the Premier Sports TV cameras. One goal at the Vila was enough to separate the big Paulista rivals and it was the leagues leading scorer, Borges with his twentieth goal of the season fifteen minutes from time that was the difference. Flamengo kept themselves in the title hunt and an amazing late rally gave them a derby day victory over Fluminense at the Engenhão. All the goals came in the final half hour and it was Fluminense who opened proceedings through Rafael Sóbis. Thiago Neves levelled for Flamengo eight minutes later but when Manuel Lanzini put the Tricolor ahead again the minutes from time it looked like Fluminense were going to claim bragging rights. A Ronaldinho Gáucho less Flamengo got level four minutes from time when a free kick from Dario Botinelli hit the woodwork and bounced in off former Liverpool goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri for a bizarre own goal and the Argentinian won it in injury time when he converted Léo Moura's cross. Fluminense then had Souza sent off and coach Abel Braga for arguing abour poor decisions. Internacional set the cat amongst the title chasing pigeons when they crushed a below par Vasco da Gama at the Beira-Rio. Argentinain talisman Andres D'Alessandro put Inter ahead four mintues after the break and Índio doubled the lead fourteen minutes from time. Tinga put the icing on the cake for Inter with the third a minute from time.

Corinthians, with Adriano on debut,  were the main beneficiaries of events in Porto Alegre as they went back to the summit of the table after blowing away Atlético-GO with a strong first half performance. Leandro Castan put Corinthians ahead with just eight minutes gone and Willian doubled the lead nine minutes before the break. Alex wrapped things up for Corinthians when he got the third three minutes before the break. Another team with a blisteing first half performance were Avaí as they defeated fellow strugglers Atlético-PR at the Recassada. Lincoln put Avaí ahead with just ten minutes gone and Gian doubled the lead twelve minutes before the break. Rafael Coelho completed the scoring on the stroke of half time when he converted from the spot. Any hope Atlético-PR had of a comeback disappeared up the tunnel with Manoel after this dismissal two minutes into the second half. Up north at the Castelão Figueirense came away with a point despite finishing with nine men against Ceará. Juninho Barbosa put Figueirense ahead six minutes before the break before Wasingington levelled for the home side on the stroke of half time. Maicon was the first Figueirense player to be sent off just after the hour and he was followed by Bruno Vieira twenty minutes from time.

Full midweek round ahead and just ten games left in the season as it promises to be as close as ever in the Brasileirão. They line up like this

São Paulo x Internacional
Grêmio x Figueirense
Avaí x Atlético Goianiense
América Mineiro x Ceará
Corinthians x Botafogo
Flamengo x Palmeiras
Bahia x Cruzeiro
Fluminense x Coritiba
Atlético Mineiro x  Santos
Atlético Paranaense x Vasco da Gama

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Brasileirão Petrobras Week 11 catch-up

Grêmio 1-0 Santos

After a poor start to his Grêmio career after arriving from Olympique de Marseille on loan, Brandão finally got the Tricolor fans on side with the only goal of the game at the Olímpico Monumental in Porto Alegre last night. After being heckled on leaving training on Tuesday, Brandão did himself no favours with just five minutes gone when he wasted a great opportunity to put the home side ahead.

Four minutes later, all was forgotten when Fábio Rochemback released Júlio César and the cross was met by Brandão who headed past Rafael in the Santos goal to put the Tricolor ahead. Santos were without Neymar and missing their spark as a unit and could have fallen further behind if it was not for the wasteful Damian Escudero and Douglas.

Only as the game finally approached half time did Santos begin to threaten the Grêmio goal. Leading scorer Borges and Ibsen both going close for the visitors. After the break Grêmio continued to squander chances to double their lead and were almost made to pay when Alan Kardec was denied by Victor in the Grêmio goal.
It means Muricy Ramalho's men have now lost three on the spin and it leaves them in the depths of mid table with only December's Tokyo trip to prepare for. On the other hand it was a third straight win for Grêmio and it leaves them in a position to make a late charge for a Libertadores spot in 2012. Twelve points now separate tenth places Atlético Goianiense from leaders Vasco da Gama.

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