Goal.com

Ney Franco's side made it difficult for themselves against Atletico Goianiense and despite goals from the duo they failed to repair the damage of going three goals behind early on

Atletico Goianiense earned just their second victory of the league season, surviving a late scare to defeat Sao Paulo 4-3 at the Serra Dourada.

The Dragao began the game in an unexpected fashion, storming into a three-goal lead in little over 30 minutes. Denis was unable to keep out at Marino's header from Marcos' delivery in the 17th minute and the hosts were offered a fantastic chance to double their lead soon after. Douglas brought down Eron in the area and goalkeeper Marcio coolly converted the resultant penalty, his second of the season. Patric made it three in the 31st minute as he rose above his marker to crane a header into the far corner, again from Marcos' delivery.

It looked as though Sao Paulo were going to find their way back into the game when Ademilson rounded off an excellent team move in the 42nd minute but there was still time for Atletico to restore their three-goal advantage before the break. After a quick free kick Wesley found space in the box to prod the ball past Denis and into the back of the net on the stroke of half time. The Tricolor could not have started the second half better as Jadson slotted home from the spot within five minutes and Rafael Toloi halved the deficit with a thunderous 30-yard strike just after the hour mark. The equaliser remained elusive for the Paulista side though and a late save from Marcio to deny Jadson ensured they would not surrender the three points.

Ney Franco's inconsistent start as coach of Sao Paulo continues yet they remain in seventh position. Atletico Goianiense meanwhile have risen from the bottom of the table for the first time this season, but they remain in the relegation zone in 18th place.


Corinthians' post-Copa Libertadores ascendancy of the table continued with a comfortable 2-0 win over Cruzeiro at the Pacaembu.

The Timao were finding it difficult to break down Celso Roth's side in the early exchanges and it was the visitors who came closest first but Leandro Guerreiro could not add the finishing touch in front of an open goal in the 20th minute. It was a mistake that proved extremely costly as Corinthians took the lead just three minutes later. Sandro Silva floored Jorge Henrique just inside the area and centre-back Chicao sent Fabio the wrong way from the spot.

Emerson failed to convert into an open goal from within the six-yard box after two second-half minutes and he continued to be a nuisance for the Cruzeiro defence throughout. The Belo Horizonte club had one of their own too in the shape of Walter Montillo but the Argentine's finishing lacked accuracy on the night. The game was put beyond doubt in stoppage time when Paulinho picked up the ball and lashed home a phenomenal finish that sailed past a rooted Fabio and into the top corner.

Corinthians move into the top half for the first time this season and occupy 10th spot while Cruzeiro drift further away from the top spot they held back in Round 6 and currently sit in sixth.

Nautico 3-4 Coritiba

Coritiba picked up their first win since their Copa do Brasil final defeat with a thrilling 4-3 triumph over Nautico at the Estadio dos Aflitos.

Souza sent the home fans into raptures when he volleyed home from a corner after just 14 minutes to give the Timbu the lead. Robinho restored parity two minutes later as he fired into the back of the net after a raking pass from Everton Costa but Coxa were not level for long. Kieza continued his fine start to his Nautico career by thumping home after a deft flick from Rhayner played the striker in beyond the defence. Things soon cooled down, though, as both sides slowed the tempo of the match, with neither side wanting to commit a mistake.

Yet the second half started equally as frenetically and within two minutes of the restart the scores were level once more. The Nautico defenders continually backed off Leonardo and he capitalised on the space by sending a swerving effort past Felipe and into the bottom corner. He added his second in the 56th minute from the penalty spot after a deliberate handball by Alessandro stopped the ball from going in and reduced the hosts to 10 men. Coritiba made their man-advantage count and doubled their lead 12 minutes from time as Pereira headed home at the near post from Lincoln's corner. Rico pulled one back for the Timbu in the 86th minute but it was too late for them to mount a comeback.

Nautico may remain in 12th place but things are becoming ever tighter at the bottom. Coritiba sit one point adrift of them in 14th and also just three points from the drop zone.


Atletico Mineiro won their seventh consecutive game as they defeated Santos 2-0 at a raucous Independencia.

Galo started well in front of their home fans and thought they had taken the lead in the 14th minute. Jo was played through on goal by Ronaldinho and fired the ball into the roof of the net only to have his celebrations cut short by the assistant referee, who had raised his flag. After a while Santos began to influence the game a bit more and they came within inches of taking the lead themselves. With 38 minutes on the clock Felipe Anderson's corner found Bruno Rodrigo in the area but his header rattled the bar and was cleared away. Marcos Rocha hit the post for the Alvinegro minutes later but his most telling contribution came on the stroke of half-time as his cross was volleyed expertly into the goal by Danilinho.

The hosts continued in the same vein in the second half, but Danilinho and Bernard failed to hit the target and extend their team's lead. The latter had the ball in the net shortly before the 60-minute mark but once more the goal was chalked off due to an offside decision. It was not long until the second goal came and once more Marcos Rocha was involved. After dispossessing Leo he centred the ball and, though Leonardo Silva's initial effort was saved, Rever was on hand to smash home the rebound.

Santos' struggles without their star trio of Rafael, Ganso and Neymar continue and they have now fallen into the drop zone. Galo meanwhile refuse to be ousted by Vasco and hold onto pole position in the league.


Andre Luis finished off a superb move for Ponte Preta but they could only muster a 1-1 draw at home to Sport Recife. A solitary strike from Dagoberto left Figueirense winless in 11 after a 1-0 loss to Internacional. Clarence Seedorf is yet to taste victory with Botafogo as a late strike for Vasco da Gama courtesy of Alecsandro sank them 1-0 at the Engenhao. Kleber netted the only goal of the game as Gremio overcame Fluminense at the Olimpico while Bahia won 2-0 away at Palmeiras. Dorival Junior failed to inspire Flamengo to victory on his debut in charge of the side as their game with Portuguesa ended goalless.

Player of the Round

As Atletico Mineiro end Round 12 on top of the pile once more, they can be proud of a hugely energetic and effective display from Marcos Rocha. The full-back was tireless as he charged up and down the right wing all night and always caused Santos a problem. After hitting the post before half-time he then popped up on the left to supply a cross for Danilinho to slam home. He showed great tenacity after the break to dispossess Leo and supply a cross which led to Rever slotting in the second. His effect was devastating and he never gave the opposition a moment's respite in an impressive outing.