Brazil Serie A wrap: Cruzeiro upset Fluminense

19 November 2012 01:58

Newly crowned Brazil Serie A champions Fluminense suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat to Cruzeiro, while Gremio consolidated second spot on Sunday.

Goals from Walter Montillo and Elber wrapped up the win for the visitors against a side that secured the title last week.

Despite having nothing to play for, Fluminense were looking to treat their home fans with another win.

But things did not go to plan in the early stages as Cruzeiro were awarded a penalty on 24 minutes after Fluminense defender Gum pulled down Anselmo Ramon.

Argentine midfielder Montillo stepped up and sent Diego Cavalieri the wrong way to give Cruzeiro the lead.

And two minutes after the break things got worse for Fluminense.

A fine flowing counter-attack from the visitors saw Ramon play in Elber just outside the box, the striker beating two defenders with some fine footwork before firing past Cavalieri to secure the win.

Gremio rallied from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw at relegation-threatened Portuguesa.

After a scoreless first half, Moises and Leo Silva scored in the space of eight minutes to open a 2-0 lead for Portuguesa.

However, two quick-fire goals from Andre Lima and Ze Roberto ensured the spoils were shared.

Vanderlei Luxemburgo's men stay one point clear in second following Atletico Mineiro's 2-2 draw with Atletico Goianiense.

Corinthians notched up their fourth successive victory by accounting for Internacional 2-0.

Paolo Guerrero and Edenilson were the heroes for the visiting side as they moved up to fifth after Botafogo's surprise 2-0 defeat at lowly Sport Recife.

In other results on Sunday, Sao Paulo came from behind to beat Nautico 2-1, Vagner Love cancelled out Vinicius' opener to salvage a point for Flamengo in their home encounter against Palmeiras, whose relegation was confirmed as a result, while Bahia recorded an important 1-0 win over Ponte Preta.