Brazil Serie A wrap: Corinthians register first win

25 June 2012 08:17

Corinthians moved off the bottom of the Brazilian Serie A table with a 2-1 win over fellow strugglers Palmeiras on Sunday.

The defending champions had lost four and drawn one after five matches played so far this season.

They looked set for another loss when Palmeiras took the lead with four minutes played at New Corinthians Stadium, Mazinho hitting the back of the net for the visitors.

Striker Romarinho, who joined Corinthians from Bragantino earlier this month, equalised for Corinthians in the 34th minute and then scored what proved to be the winner ten minutes after the break.

Despite bagging their first victory of the season, Corinthians remain in the relegation zone, while eight-time national champions Palmeiras sit second last and are without a win so far this season.

They do however have a Copa do Brasil final against Coritiba to look forward to, after sealing a 3-1 aggregate victory over Gremio in the semi-finals on Thursday.

In other league action on Sunday, Fluminense recorded their second successive victory, coming from behind to dismantle Atletico Goianiense 4-1 away from home.

Ernandes had given cellar-dwellers Atletico a 13th-minute lead, before two goals in six minutes from Samuel Rosa and Gum sent Fluminense into the break with a 2-1 advantage.

It got worse for the hosts six minutes into the second half, when Gilson put the ball into his own net.

And former Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder Deco scored from the penalty spot with virtually the last kick of the game to inflict further punishment on Atletico, who finished the match with 10 men.

Brazilian international Neymar found himself on the scoresheet as Santos continued their slow start with a 2-2 draw at home to Coritiba.

Edu Dracena's 32nd-minute goal put Santos ahead, but on 50 minutes Rafinha levelled proceedings for the visitors.

Santos were back in front when Alan Kardec set up Neymar in the 71st minute.

The lead proved short lived, as Lincoln equalised from the penalty spot four minutes later.

Gremio returned to winning ways, beating ninth-place Flamengo 2-0 courtesy of goals from Marcelo Moreno and Werley.

In other matches, Internacional triumphed 2-0 at Sport Recife, visiting Ponte Preta edged Botafogo 2-1, while mid-table sides Figueirense and Bahia drew 1-1.