Copa Sudamericana Semi Final 1st Leg

Goiás 0-1 Palmeiras
LDU Quito 3-2 Independiente

Palmeiras took a giant stride to claiming a place in the final after victory in their semi-final first leg in Goiânia. After a confidence building draw against Fluminense at the weekend, Goiás are hoping to qualify for their first ever continental final but must do it the hard way in the Pacaembu next week. One goal was enough to win the game for Palmeiras and when it came it was an absolute screamer from Marcos Assunção three minutes after the break. Goiás were denied in injury time when Otacílio Neto headed past Deola but the goal was disallowed due to an offside. Felipão was hit by a radio thrown from the crowd after the game but will be happy with his side taking a lead back to São Paulo next week.

In Quito at La Casa Blanca, the holders LDU will take a narrow advantage back to Buenos Aires for the second leg in a weeks time. Independiente, in their first continental semi final in 15 years, made a bright opening but they fell behind right on half time when Uruguayan Juan Salgueiro struck. Whatever was said in the changing room at half time seemed to work for the home side as they came out like a steam train. Four minutes after the break substitute Miller Bolanos made it two and when Neicer Reasco got the third eight minutes later it seemed LDU had put one foot in the final already but a minute later Nestor Silvera grabbed an away goal for Independiente. When Lucas Mareque got the second Independiente goal six minutes later it was suddenley game on game and the home side were hanging on. Independiente threw everything at the holders but LDU held on to make the second leg in Avellaneda next week much more interesting.

The second leg at the Pacaembu is on Wednesday at 2350 GMT while the night owls can take in Independiente v LDU Quito next Friday morning at 0030GMT

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 35

Ceará 2-2 Botafogo
Corinthians 1-0 Cruzeiro
Santos 0-0 Grêmio
Atlético Mineiro 4-1 Flamengo
Guarani 1-1 Vitória
Internacional 2-3 Avaí
Atlético Goianiense 3-0 Palmeiras
Fluminense 1-1 Goiás
Vasco da Gama 1-1 São Paulo
Atlético Paranaense 2-1 Prudente

The round actually started last Wednesday at the Castelão as Botofogo's outside hopes of taking the title were probably dashed by their 17th draw of the season. The visitors took the lead through Sebastian Abreu's 10th goal of the season with 11 minutes on the clock but the Alvinegro were behind by half time. Magno Alves levelled for Ceará half way through the half and Geraldo had them in front 10 minutes before the break. A second of the game from Abreu levelled things but Botafogo couldn't find a winner, despite Ceará being reduced to ten after the dismissal Michel three minutes from time.

On Saturday there was huge controversy in the big one at the Pacaembu as Corinthians took a giant stride to winning the title. It was a coolly taken last minute penalty from Ronaldo that separated the sides after he'd been fouled by Gil in the box. The camera angles seemed to give a different impression on the foul but the Cruzeiro players were aggrieved by the decision as Gil was also dismissed for a second bookable offence. Grêmio still remain in the hunt for a Libertadores spot after they claimed a point at the Vila Belmiro against Santos. It didn't start well for Grêmio when they had top scorer Jonas sent off for an elbow after 18 minutes but they had goalkeeper Victor to thank after his penalty save from Zé Eduardo kept the game scoreless. In the final Saturday game, Atlético-MG took a huge stride to safety and left Flamengo nervously looking over their shoulder after a resounding 4-1 win in Sete Lagoas. Former Fla player Obina put the home side ahead ten minutes before the break before Renan Oliveira doubled the lead a minute before the break Another former Fla man, Diego Tardelli made it three half way through the second half before a second from Renan two minutes later put the icing on the cake. Marquinhos pulled a goal back for Flamengo fifteen minutes from time but it was meter consolation for the visitors.

In another huge relegation clash Vitória have their heads just above the relegation zone after a 1-1 draw with Guarani. Vitória took the lead twelve minutes from time through Adailton but the lead last just two minutes before Geovane levelled. A point is a point, but it wasn't much use to either team as Guarani fell into the relegation zone. Avaí gave themselves hope of survival after a stunning 3-2 victory at the Beira-Rio against Internacional. Avaí were ahead inside a minute after a stunning goal from Patric and the doubled their lead seven minutes before the break through Batista. Inter hit back after half time, substitute Leandro Damião halved the nine minutes after the break before Rafael Sóbis levelled on the hour. Three minutes later though, Avaí were ahead again through Robinho and they held on to secure a crucial win. Atlético-GO eased their relegation worries a little after a comfortable victory over a Palmeiras side that could be putting all it's eggs in the Sudamericana basket. Gilson put Atlético-GO ahead after half an hour and Robston doubled the lead nine minutes after the break. Palmeiras then had Danilo sent off on the hour before a second from Robston two minutes later wrapped up the points and give Atlético-GO a chance of beating the drop

In the late Sunday games, Fluminense knew a victory over relegation threatened Goiás was take them back to the top of the table. However it was the visitors, still on a high from the midweek Sudamericana victory, who made all the running at the Engenhão. They took the lead with 19 minutes on the clock through midweek hero Rafael Moura and the Tricolor were booed off at half time. They eventually got level just six minutes before time when Dario Conca converted from the penalty spot, but Flu relinquished top spot in the table. São Paulo's outside chance of getting into the frame for the last Libertadores spot seems to be over after they were held at the São Januário by Vasco da Gama. The home side took the lead on the hour through on loan stiker Éder Luís but they were pegged back ten minutes later by Lucas Gaúcho. The point was enough to ensure that Vasco will survive for a second season in the top flight. The relegation fight though is over for Prudente after they were relegated to Série B after defeat at the Arena de Baixada against Atlético-PR. Prudente went behind after 21 minutes when Paulo Baier converted from the penalty spot and they didn't help their cause when Wesley was sent off four minutes later. Despite being a man short Willian José levelled for Prudente on the half hour and a point would have been just enough to keep them afloat. Disasater struck for Prudente in injury time when Paulo Baier got his second of the game to keep Atlético-PR in the hunt for a Libertadores spot and condemn Prudente to second tier football next year.

So three games to go in this years championship as the title and relegation race hots up. They line up like this with the top three games taking place on Saturday

Flamengo x Guarani
Prudente x Ceará
Grêmio x Atlético Paranaense
São Paulo x Fluminense
Palmeiras x Atlético Mineiro
Botafogo x Internacional
Vitória x Corinthians
Cruzeiro x Vasco da Gama
Goiás x Santos
Avaí x Atlético Goianiense


With two weeks to go in the Série B season Coritiba will return as Champions if they win their game at Icasa on Saturday night. A 3-0 for Bahia against Portuguesa in the last week also sees them into the top flight next season. Figuerense will also be in the top flight next season after despite a defeat to Coritiba, Portuguesa's defeat at Bahia meaning they cannot now be caught. The final promotion spot is currently in the hands of América-MG who lead Portuguesa and Sport Recife by three points in the table with six to play for. At the other end of the table Santo André are facing back to back relegation in the face, they currenlty lie six points adrift of safety but they can still catch Guaratinguetá in 16th. Ipatinga, Brasiliense and América-RN occupy the other relegation spots.

Copa Sudamericana Week 14

LDU Quito 1-0 Newell's Old Boys
Palmeiras 2-0 Atlético Mineiro
Avaí 0-1 Goiás
Independiente 0-0 Deportes Tolima

Holders LDU Quito were the first team to qualify for the semi final on Wednesday night after they left it late to overcome Newell's Old Boys. After a scoreless first leg the tie was heading for penalties until Walter Calderon turned and shot past Sebastian Peratta from the edge of the box nine minutes from time. It left Newell's needing a goal for penalties but LDU Quito hung on as they continue the defence of their title. Palmeiras also joined LDU in the semi finals on Wednesday night when they overcame Atlético Mineiro at the Pacaembu. Renan Ribeiro was a busy man in the Atlético-MG goal as Palmeiras went for the throat from the off and they finally broke the deadlock after 28 minutes when Marcos Assunção put Palmeiras ahead with an "Olympic goal" although there could have been a slight deflection. Atlético-MG threw on the forwards as they looked for an equaliser but they were undone ten minutes from time when Luan was left unmarked at the back post and he fired the ball past Renan Ribeiro to put Palmeiras into the last four.

On Thursday night two times in the relegation zone in Série A met at the Ressacada in Florianópolis when Avaí and Goiás went in all square from the first leg. It was the away side though who made all the running as they constantly put Avaí under pressure and kept Zé Carlos busy. The visitors took the lead just before the break when a corner from Wellington Saci ended up with Felipe and his shot come cross went into the path of Rafael Moura who found the back of the net. That turned out to be the only goal of the game, Goiás were much the better side on the night as Avaí's first foray into continental competition came to an end. Independiente ensured continued Argentinean representation in the competition after a scoreless draw allowed them to qualify courtesy of their two goals in Colombia last week. Not without a fright though, the visitors had a goal disallowed after 34 minutes for a foul on goalkeeper Hilario Navarro. The home side went closest two minutes before the break when Facundo Parra blocked a clearance from Tolima keeper Antony Silva but the ball spun agonisingly wide.

So, no rest for the wicked as the semi-finals begin next week and they line up like this

LDU Quito v Independiente
Goiás v Palmeiras

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 34

Atlético Mineiro 2-2 Santos
Grêmio 5-1 Ceará
Atlético Goianiense 2-2 Internacional
São Paulo 0-2 Corinthians
Prudente 4-1 Goiás
Vitória 0-1 Cruzeiro
Avaí 0-0 Botafogo
Palmeiras 1-0 Guarani
Flamengo 0-1 Atlético Paranaense
Fluminense 1-0 Vasco da Gama

Saturday's games saw Atlético-MG take another small step to safety after an entertaining 2-2 draw with Santos in Sete Lagoas. Neymar's 12th goal of the season put the visitors ahead with just eight minutes on the clock but Diego Tardelli levelled matters after 25 minutes on the clock. When Obina put Atlético-MG ahead on the hour the home side were on course for a crucial point but Neymar's second of the game seven minutes later rescued a point for Santos. Grêmio are still an outside bet for the last Libertadores spot after they took Ceará to the cleaners. André Lima set the Tricolor on the way with 24 minutes gone and a 21st of the season from Jonas doubled the lead on the half hour. Ceará had Heleno sent off before veteran Fábio Rochemback made it three before the break before Douglas got the fourth ten minutes after half time. A second for André Lima made it five on the hour before Magno Alves got a consolation for Ceará thirteen minutes from time. Atlético-GO were another team to take a small step to safety but will be kicking themselves after letting a two goal lead slip against Internacional. Juninho put Atlético-GO ahead with twelve minutes on the clock and an 11th of the season from Elias from the spot doubled the lead. Inter halved the deficit ten minutes after the break courtesy of Leandro Damião before Giuliano levelled matters from the spot twenty minutes from time.

The early Sunday games started with a huge clash at the Morumbi between São Paulo and Corinthians, the Majestoso. It was the visitors who briefly returned to the top of the table courtesy of a 2-0 victory. Elias put Corinthians ahead six mintues before the break and Dentinho made the points certain with the second six minutes from time. Prudente kept their heads above the parapet after a 4-1 victory over a Goiás side that now looks likely to join them in the second tier next season. Rafael Moura put Goiás ahead with just six minutes on the clock but Prudente levelled through João Vitor after twenty minutes. Willian José put Prudente ahead six minutes after the break and Goiás were then reduced to ten men on the hour when Rafael Tolói was dismissed. Wesley made it three half way through the half before Rhayner put the icing on the cake four minutes from time. Cruzeiro kept up the heat at the top of the table after a single goal was enough to give them victory at Vitória. That goal came seven minutes before half time with Jonas unfortunate to put the ball into his own net. In Florianópolis, Avaí got a point in their battle to beat the drop but it was against a disappointing Botafogo side that collected an amazing 16th draw of the season. The Rio club have lost the least games of any team in the division so far but an inability to win more games will probably cost them in the long run.

The late Sunday games all featured a single goal in all the contests. At the Arena Barueri, Palmeiras got the better of Guarani ahead of their second leg Sudamericana game in midweek. The only goal in this one came four minutes before half time from Leandro Amaro. That result leaves Guarani in the relegation zone with just four games left to play. Flamengo ended up playing their home game against Atlético-PR at the Estádio Raulino de Oliveira in Volta Redonda due to Fluminense bagging the Engenhão to take on Vasco. It was the visitors who kept their Libertadores hopes alive after veteran Paulo Baier got the only goal of the game six minutes before the break. Over at the Engenhão, Fluminense, after a couple of hours in third, went back to the top of the table after victory over Vasco da Gama in the Clássico dos Gigantes. The goal came with just four minutes on the clock from Tartá and means that Fluminense have a single point lead at the top of the table with just four matches left.

Week 35 starts on Wednesday night in Fortaleza when Botafogo need a victory against Ceará if they have any chance of winning the title. The biggest clash of the week is on Saturday when Corinthians in second entertain Cruzeiro in third. They line up like this

Ceará x Botafogo
Corinthians x Cruzeiro
Santos x Grêmio
Atlético Mineiro x Flamengo
Vasco da Gama x São Paulo
Guarani x Vitória
Internacional x Avaí
Atlético Goianiense x Palmeiras
Fluminense x Goiás
Atlético Paranaense x Prudente

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 33

Santos 1-1 Vitória
Botafogo 3-2 Atlético Goianiense
Guarani 0-0 Atlético Mineiro
Internacional 0-0 Fluminense
Goiás 0-2 Grêmio
Corinthians 4-0 Avaí
Cruzeiro 0-2 São Paulo
Ceará 2-2 Flamengo
Vasco da Gama 2-1 Prudente
Atlético Paranaense 1-0 Palmeiras

Vitória edged away from the relegation after gaining a point in the their cup final rematch with Santos. Santos took the lead just after the half hour courtesy of Neymar's 11th goal of the season but José Junior levelled five minutes before the break. Vitória finished with ten men after Thiago Martinelli was sent off ten minutes from time. Botafogo are suddenly right in the title race again after hanging on to defeat Atlético-GO at the Engenhão. Botafogo took the lead two minutes before the break through Caio and Jobson doubled the lead three mintues after the break. Sebastian Abreu's goal from the spot, his 9th of the season, with 25 minutes to go looked to have wrapped things up but Atlético-GO pulled a goal back the Juninho with eight mintues to go. Robston reduced the Fogo lead to one in injury time but the Alvinegro held on to collect all three points. The big relegation clash in Campinas finished goalless between Guarani and Atlético-MG, a result with does either team no favours. Fluminense will go into Week 34 with their noses ahead in the table after a coming away from the Beira-Rio with a point. The game was billed as a battle of the Argentinian stars Dario Conca and Andres D'Alessandro but the game never sparked into life.

Goiás are looking like they are heading for Série B after a 2-0 home defeat to Grêmio. André Lime put the Tricolor ahead on the half hour and Diego wrapped things up in injury time at the end of the second half. Grêmio are an outside bet for the last Libertadores spot while Goiás are now five points away from safety. Corinthians for themselves right back in the title hunt after pushing Avaí closer to the drop after a comfortable victory and revenge for their defeat in Florianópilis earlier in the season. Bruno César set Corinthians on their way after 20 minutes but they home side had to wait until after half time extend their lead. Elias for the second nineteen minutes into the second half before a brace from Ronaldo in the last six minutes put the icing on the cake. Avaí didn't help their cause after having both Robinho and Emerson sent off. The big losers of the week were Cruzeiro who slipped to their third defeat in four after a 2-0 defeat to São Paulo. Lucas Silva put the visitors ahead seven minutes after the break and Rogerio Céni wrapped things up from the spot ten minutes from time. The defeat pushed Cruzeiro back into third and the need to find their form quickly if they are to take the title.

Flamengo are now unbeaten in eight as they edge away from the relegation zone under Wanderlei Luxemburgo but they had to settle for a point at Ceará. Welinton Souza put the Rubro-Negro ahead inside two minutes but the teams went into the break level after Magno Alves levelled in the 26th minute. Ronaldo Angelim put Flamengo ahead again half way through the second half but a second from Magno Alves nine minutes from time rescued a point for the home side. Vasco da Gama can look forward to another season in the top flight as they more or less condemned Prudente to Série B at the São Januário. It was a come from behind victory for the home side after they fell behind to a Adriano Pimenta goal with just nine minutes on the clock. But two goals in a minute around the half hour mark from Romulo gave Vasco the victory and the chance to plan ahead for next season. Atlético-PR kept their hopes of qualifying for the Libertadores alive after a late goal gave them victory over Palmeiras. The only goal of the game came nine minutes from time from Fedrico Nieto to leave Atlético-PR in a group of five teams on 50 points.

So with all the midweek rounds over Week 34 takes place at the weekend, Goiás could relegate Prudente. There is the Clássico dos Gigantes in Rio between Fluminense and Vasco while the Majestoso takes centre stage in São Paulo.

Atlético Mineiro x Santos
Grêmio x Ceará
Atlético Goianiense x Internacional
São Paulo x Corinthians
Prudente x Goiás
Vitória x Cruzeiro
Avaí x Botafogo
Palmeiras x Guarani
Flamengo x Atlético Paranaense
Fluminense x Vasco da Gama

Copa Sudamericana Week 13

Quarter Final - 1st Leg

Newell's Old Boys 0-0 LDU Quito
Deportes Tolima 2-2 Independiente

No goals in Rosario as the holders got exactly what they came for. A goalless draw to take back the altitude of Quito in a weeks time. In a game of few chances, the home side will be kicking themselves for not taking their chances when they came but the LDU defence was always up to the task. It's all to play for in the second leg.

In Colombia, Independiente grabbed what could be a couple of vital away goals as they came from behind to draw with Deportes Tolima. The Argentinian side took the lead on the half hour when Nestor Silvera converted from the penalty spot but Wilder Modina levelled five minutes before the break. Rodrigo Marangone put Tolima ahead seventeen minutes from time but the lead lasted only five minutes before Julian Velázquez levelled the put Independiente in the driving seat for the second leg.

All four ties are completed next week.

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 32

Flamengo 1-1 Corinthians
São Paulo 2-1 Atlético Paranaense
Fluminense 2-0 Grêmio
Atlético Goianiense 1-1 Ceará
Internacional 1-1 Santos
Vitória 4-2 Vasco da Gama
Prudente 0-2 Cruzeiro
Atlético Mineiro 0-2 Botafogo
Avaí 1-0 Guarani
Palmeiras 3-2 Goiás

With the elections taking place in Brazil yesterday Week 32 was dragged forward a little and opened on Wednesday night at the Engenhão as Flamengo and Corinthians met up. After much had been made of the planned reception for "O Fenomeno" by the Flamengo fans Ronaldo had the last laugh when he fired the title chasers into the lead on the half hour. Corinthians though, couldn't get the win they needed when they were undone a minute after half time and Diogo got the equaliser to leave the home side unbeaten in seven. São Paulo made a return to winning ways when they put a big dent in Atlético-PR's hopes of making the Libertadores with a 2-1 victory at the Morumbi. Ricardo Oliveira put São Paulo ahead with 12 minutes on the clock but Atlético-PR levelled through Joffre Guérron fifteen minutes later. The São Paulo winner game five minutes after the break through Miranda to lift them above Atlético-PR in the table. Fluminense will go into Week 33 on top of the table after Argentinian Dario Conca inspired them to their first win in six against Grêmio at the Engenhão. Conca put the Tricolor ahead with nineteen minutes on the clock and his second nine minute from time wrapped up a much needed win fir Fluminense.

Atlético-GO continue their escape from the relegation zone but saw their three game winning streak ended by Ceará. Marcão put Atlético-GO in the driving seat with his goal after 26 minutes. Ceará denied their hosts a fourth straight win when Michel levelled fifteen minutes from time. Internacional and Santos were still outside chances for the title when they started the Saturday action at the Beira-Rio. In an entertaining game it was the visitors who took the lead thirteen minutes from time courtesy of a wonderful strike from Zé Eduardo. The lead though lasted only three minutes before Leandro Damião headed Inter level, the draw though was not much good for either side. Vitória hauled themsevles out of the relegation zone after a big win over Vasco da Game. The home side were ahead inside two minutes through Adailton and Elkeson doubled the advantage five minutes before the break. Neto Coruja made it three two minutes after the break but a minute later Vasco got back in the game courtesy of Nunes. José Junior restored the three goal cushion just short of the hour leaving José Fumagalli's injury time strike mere consolation for Vasco. Cruzeiro kept up the heat on Fluminense at the top of the table after the pushed Prudente closer to relegation. Léo set Cruzeiro on their way with eighteen minutes on the clock and Robert doubled the lead five minutes before the break. The defeat leaves Prudente 11 points short of safety with just 18 to play for.

Botafogo climbed back into the Libertadores positions as of right after a 2-0 victory over Atlético-MG in Sete Lagoas. Fogo went ahead fifteen minutes from time courtesy of Edno and Sebatian Abreu's eight goal of the season a minutes from time wrapped things up. The defeat means that Atlético-MG drop back into the relegation zone and they are still in serious trouble. Avaí are another side with their head still below the relegation line but they gave themselves a fighting chance of survival with victory over Guarani. Only one goal separated the sides and it came from Eltinho with 27 minutes gone. Guarani are now right on the edge of the relegation zone and they will be now looking over their shoulders. Two teams in midweek Sudamericana action met at the Arena Barueri and it was Palmeiras who took the points against Goiás. Tinga put Palmeiras ahead with twenty minutes on the clock but the Big Green had to wait until ten minutes from time before Marcio Araujo doubled the lead. Carlos Alberto then pulled a goal back from Goiás three minutes later but Dinei restored the two goal advantage four minutes from time. Goiás weren't done and Éverton Santos again reduced the deficit a minutes from time but Palmeiras held on to leave Goiás deep in the relegation mire.

The last midweek round takes place this week and the line up like this, the most crucial game coming between Guarani and Atléico-MG in the battle to avoid the drop.

Santos X Vitória
Botafogo x Atlético Goianiense
Guarani x Atlético Mineiro
Internacional x Fluminense
Goiás x Grêmio
Corinthians x Avaí
Cruzeiro x São Paulo
Ceará x Flamengo
Vasco da Gama x Prudente
Atlético Paranaense x Palmeiras

Copa Sudamericana Week 12

Quarter Final - 1st Leg

Atlético Mineiro 1-1 Palmeiras
Goiás 2-2 Avaí

All square in Sete Lagoas as a dodgy penalty enabled Atlético-MG to go into the second leg of their tie against Palmeiras all square. After a goal less first half the visitors took the lead ten minutes after the break when a neat 1-2 between Kléber and Tinga saw the former Cruzeiro man beat Renan Ribeiro in the Atlético-MG goal. The home side drew level fifteen minutes from time after a hotly disputed (by the Palmeiras players) penalty. Marcio Araujo was ruled to have bought for Palmeiras player Obina down in the area as a cross came in, the contact looked minimal though. Araujo ended up in the book as did Danilo who was lucky not to talk himself into red. The delay didn't affect Obina as he slotted the ball past Deola in the Palmeiras goal.

At the Sierra Dourada, Goiás and Avaí, two teams in the relegation zone in Série A, met in the other all Brazilian quarter final. The home side grasped the advantage in the tie when Rafael Moura put them ahead with with half an hour on the clock, a lead they took into the break. Avaí grabbed what could be a crucial away goal seven minutes after the break when Davi converted from the penalty spot. Goiás were stunned with twenty minutes to go when they fell behing to a goal from Marcelino put Avaí into the driving seat. Goiás piled on the pressure looking for the equaliser and it finally came four minutes into injury time when Rafael Moura got his second of the game.

The second legs for both of these ties take place in two weeks time, the remaining first leg ties take place next midweek.

Campeonato Paulista A1 2011

The fixtures and format have been released for the 2011 Campeonato Paulista Série A1 and there is a slight change to the format we have witnessed in recent years. Twenty teams will contest the division as usual in a single round robin format and the bottom four teams will be relegated to Série A2 at the end of the season.

The big change comes in the play offs, which have have been extended to eight teams. The first round will be single elimination on a 1 v 8; 2 v 7; 3 v 6; 4 v 5 format. The winners then progress to the semi finals and again that will be a single elimination game. The final as ever will be played over two games to end the season on May 15th.

The four promoted clubs who take their place in the big time next season are Guaratinguetá (who we featured in the national Série B round-up not too long ago), São Bernardo, Noroeste and Linense, the champions of Série A2 this year.

Also the competition will feature the two extra officials situated behind the goal line, as seen in the Champions and Europa League competitions.

The league starts on January 16 and the opening round looked like this as Santos defend the crown they won this year.

Linense x Santos
Mogi Mirim x São Paulo
Corinthians x Portuguesa
Palmeiras x Botafogo SP
Noroeste x Santo André
Guaratinguetá x Bragantino
São Bernardo x Grêmio Prudente
Mirassol x Ponte Preta
Paulista x Ituano
Oeste x São Caetano

For a full list of fixtures click here

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 31

Botafogo 1-0 Vitória
Guarani 0-1 Atlético Goianiense
Corinthians 1-0 Palmeiras
Goiás 1-0 Avaí
Ceará 2-0 São Paulo
Atlético Paranaense 2-2 Fluminense
Santos 2-3 Prudente
Vasco da Gama 1-1 Flamengo
Cruzeiro 3-4 Atlético Mineiro
Grêmio 2-2 Internacional

Botafogo finally snapped their eight game drawing streak as they finally won a game. Vitória were their victims at the Engenhão as they keep in the hunt for a Libertadores spot. One goal separated the sides and that came a minutes before half time from Marcelo Cordeiro. The result dropped Vitória into the relegation zone. Atlético-GO were one of the teams to climb out of that relegation zone as they made it back to back away wins and three on the spin at Guarani. Again it was a single goal that separated the teams and that came on the hour from Marcão. Guarani finished with ten me after Baiano was sent off thirteen minutes from time. Corinthians are right back in the title race after victory in the Derby Paulista against Palmeiras at the Pacaembu. It's a first win in eight games for Corinthians and it came courtesy of a single goal from Bruno César halfway through the first half.

Avaí are in deep relegation trouble now as they made it six without a win as they went down to fellow strugglers Goiás. Again a single goal separated the sides and that came three minutes before the break from Bernardo. Avaí finished with ten men when Bruno Silva was sent off in injury time at the end of the second half. Ceará took a huge step to safety and survival in Série A with a crucial win over São Paulo. The win for Ceará snapped São Paulo's three game winning streak and they took the lead through Magno Alves after 20 minutes. Diego Sacoman doubled the lead ten minutes before the break to leave Ceará unbeaten in six. Despite going five games without a win Fluminense are back on top of the table after a late Dario Conca penalty gave them a point at Atlético-PR. Paulo Baier put Atlético-PR ahead on the hour but Marquinho levelled nine minutes later. When Wagner Diniz put Atlético-PR ahead for the second time it seemed the Tricolor were doomed until Conca's coolly converted from the spot with two minutes left.

Santos slumped to a disappointing defeat at home to Prudente after a stunning comeback from the visitors. It was all going well for Santos after on-loan Keirrison and Durval gave them a 2-0 half time lead. Prudente got back in the game a minute after the break through Wesley and Gilmar levelled from the spot eight minutes later. A second from Wesley on the hour stunned the Vila Belmiro to put Prudente ahead but the visitors clung on depite having Leonardo and Flávio Boaventura sent off. At the Engenhão it finished all square in the Clássico dos Milhões between Vasco and Flamengo. The home side took the lead through Cesinha after 26 minutes but they were reduced to ten men nineteen minutes after the break when Dedé was dismissed. Flamengo though, took their unbeaten run to six when Renato Abreu levelled ten minutes from time. In another derby taking place at the weekend it finished all square in the Gre-Nal at the Olímpico Monumental. André Lima put Grêmio ahead nine minutes before the break but Inter levelled twenty minutes into the second half when Alecsandro levelled from the spot after Fabio Rochemback had handled a goal bound shot on the line, a red card also followed for the veteran. The ten men went ahead again through Fábio Santos twenty minutes from time but Inter salvaged a point seven minutes from time when Andre D'Alessandro struck.

Cruzeiro were knocked off the top of the table as they fell to a second loss in succession in a classic Belo Horizonte derby at the Mineirão. Atlético-MG have not had the best of seasons so far, struggling at the bottom of the table but they ripped the form book apart in the opening half an hour as a hat-trick from former Flamengo and Palmeiras striker Obina gave them a shock lead. Cruzeiro pulled a goal back a nine minutes before the break through Gilberto but still had a mountain to climb to get anything out of the game. That mountain got a lot higher with 66 minutes on the clock when Réver restored the three goal advantage for Atlético-MG. Two goals in the space of two minutes from Thiago Ribeiro gave Cruzeiro 12 minutes to try and salvage a draw but Atlético-MG held on to haul themselves out of the relegation zone.

Week 32 takes place with games on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday ahead of the final midweek round of games. They line up like this

Flamengo x Corinthians
São Paulo x Atlético Paranaense
Fluminense x Grêmio
Atlético Goianiense x Ceará
Internacional x Santos
Vitória x Vasco da Gama
Palmeiras x Goiás
Prudente x Cruzeiro
Atlético Mineiro x Botafogo
Avaí x Guarani