Brasileirao 2010: Round 13 Review

Botafogo 3-0 Atletico MG

Botafogo cemented their place in the top reaches of the Brasileirao, while consigning Atletico to another defeat which leaves them just four points clear of safety at the bottom of the table.

The game was all but won for Joel Santana’s team by half-time; goals from Maicosuel and Somalia putting the side into a commanding position against a sorry Galo effort. Maicosuel’s close range finish was doubly special for the Rio team as it marked the attacking midfielder’s first goal since returning on loan from Hoffenheim; too special it seems for coach Santana, who ran onto the field to cut short the midfielder’s celebrations in order to avoid a booking.

Herrera sealed the victory with a penalty in the second half, and the fiesta atmosphere in the Engenhao was enhanced with the appearance of substitute and cult hero Sebastian ‘Loco’ Abreu in his first appearance since the World Cup. A fantastic night for the Alvinegro, who move to eighth in the table just two points adrift of the all important top four.

Atletico PR 1-1 Sao Paulo

Managerless Sao Paulo could not bounce back from the disappointment of their midweek Libertadores exit, as they could only manage a tie against struggling Atletico PR. If it wasn’t for the grand exertions of Rogerio Ceni the result could have been even worse for the floundering Tricolor, who need to start winning again to have another crack at the Copa next year.

With Milton Cruz as interim coach and without Lazio-bound Hernanes, Sao Paulo managed to take the lead 23 minutes into the second period courtesy of a goal from centre-midfielder Cleber Santana. The strike was an injustice for Parana, who had been dominating the game up until that point and were only robbed of a goal by Ceni’s inspired keeping.

They were finally rewarded just five minutes later with an equaliser; Maikon Leite was released in the area, beat one man and finally managed to put the ball past Ceni. Atletico were then forced onto the defensive after going down to 10 men, but held on well to deny Sao Paulo an undeserved late winner. The Tricolor remain in mid-table, closer to relegation than continental qualification spots.

Gremio 1-2 Fluminense

Another win for Fluminense leaves them in outright first place, and sealed the fate of Gremio coach Paulo Silas. The 44-year-old was relieved of his duty immediately after the match as the Imortal continue in relegation strife - a fact made all the more bitter by rivals Internacional’s continued domestic and international success.

The home side were hit by a devastating first half double strike, which saw them go from level to two down within three minutes. First, midfielder Mariano broke the deadlock on 16 minutes via a deflected free-kick; then striker Emerson got in on the act, taking the ball round the home keeper after a fantastic throughball from playmaker Dario Conca.

Sorry Gremio could not break down the Flu defence, despite playing the majority of the second half one man up thanks to Fernando Bob’s expulsion. They finally managed to get their name on the scoresheet with two minutes left to play. Andre Lima connected with substitute Souza’s decent cross and fired past Fernando Henrique to give the scoreline a respectable look. The Imortal are looking decidedly mortal as of late, sitting third from bottom and needing to improve fast to avoid the drop.

Guarani 4-1 Avai

The Avai bubble finally burst, and in spectacular fashion, as the team lost their post-World Cup unbeaten streak with a thrashing away to Guarant. The Florianopolis visitors remain well-placed in sixth, while the hosts move up to ninth, breaking their own less positive run of five games without a win.

The game exploded into action with three goals in the first 15 minutes, which left the Paulistas 2-1 ahead. Renan and Ricardo Xavier were the early birds for the home team, while Robinho kept the Leao da Ilha in touch with a penalty. The Bugre were undoubtedly the better team though, and were rewarded with a two-goal cushion 10 minutes from half-time. Mario Lucio beat two Avai defenders and squared for Mazola, who tucked the ball away from close range in the right corner.

Avai could again have pulled one back after the break with another penalty, but this time Vandinho could only find the post after sending the keeper the wrong way. Despite this near-miss, Guarani stayed in charge of the game and sealed a great victory with 20 minutes left to play. Fabao was left with the easiest of finishes after great approach play from Mazola down the right wing. A setback for Avai, although they stay in touching distance of the top four with a long way to go.

Full Results of Round 13

 Santos-Internacional postponed due to the latter's Copa Libertadores commitments.

Player Of The Week

Maicosuel: The Hoffenheim man made a triumphant return to Botafogo in his first game since agreeing a loan deal, driving the fans, his team-mates and the manager crazy with a debut goal.