Brasileiro: Adriano On Target In Impressive Flamengo Debut

Adriano got his Flamengo career off to a perfect start by scoring a goal as his team beat Atletico Paranaense 2-1 at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

The controversial striker found the back of the net with a powerful header early in the second half. It was Flamengo's second goal of the match, as Atletico Paranaense defender Antonio Carlos had found his own net after intercepting an Adriano cross at the beginning of the first half.

Rafael Moura pulled a goal back for the visitors in the second half when he converted a penalty kick.

Internacional maintained their perfect record after four matches this season to stay top of the league standings, edging newcomers Avai FC 2-1 with goals from Talles Cunha and Alecsandro. Lima pulled a goal back for Avai late in the second half.

At the Vila Belmiro stadium, Santos defeated Corinthians 3-1 with two goals from Paulo Henrique and another from Madson. Renato scored Corinthians' only goal of the match. Santos find themselves in third place, four points behind the league leaders.

Former FIFA World Footballer of the Year, Ronaldo, didn't take part in the game due to suspension.

Fred, another of Brazil's 2006 World Cup members, found the back of the net in Fluminense's 1-1 draw with Nautico in Recife. Gilmar snatched Nautico a point four minutes into second half injury-time from the penalty spot.

Brazilian champions Sao Paulo thrashed Cruzeiro 3-0 at the Morumbi stadium courtesy of goals from Washington, Borges and Dagoberto. Last week, Cruzeiro beat Sao Paulo 2-1 in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals in Belo Horizonte.

Vitoria claimed a surprise 1-0 victory over Gremio with a last-gasp strike from Leandro. The side from Salvador climbed into second place of the league standings.

Palmeiras, who were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Nacional of Uruguay in the Copa Libertadores, blew a two-goal advantage in the second half to draw 2-2 with Barueri. Striker Obina, who last week joined the club from Flamengo, ended his 182-day scoring drought with one of Palmeiras' two goals.

On Saturday, Botafogo came from behind to force a 2-2 draw with Sport Recife in Rio de Janeiro and Goias beat Coritiba 3-1. Meanwhile, Atletico Mineiro and Santo Andre fought out a disappointing goalless draw.

Campeonato Brasileiro: Round 4 Results

May 30 (Saturday)

Atletico Mineiro 0 - 0 Santo Andre
Botafogo 2 - 2 Sport Recife
Coritiba 1 - 3 Goias

May 31 (Sunday)

Flamengo 2 - 1 Atletico Paranaense
Nautico 1 - 1 Fluminense
Santos 3 - 1 Corinthians
Sao Paulo 3 - 0 Cruzeiro
Vitoria 1 - 0 Gremio
Barueri 2 - 2 Palmeiras
Internacional 2 - 1 Avai FC

Gregory Sica, Goal.com

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