Brazil Serie A wrap: Coritiba crush Flamengo

9 September 2012 04:22

Coritiba moved five points clear of the drop zone with a 3-0 win against Flamengo, while Corinthians beat Gremio in Brazil Serie A action.

Flamengo, without a win in four league games, travelled south to Coritiba on Saturday, who had lost three of their last four Brazilian Serie A fixtures.

The visitors had the first real chance, midfielder Muralha shooting straight at the goalkeeper in just the third minute.

But midway through the first half, Coritiba took the lead.

A long ball forward found Lincoln in space and he turned inside before sliding home for his third of the season.

Early in the second half, Flamengo gifted Coritiba a second, when Welinton was dispossessed on the edge of his own area and Rafinha took advantage for his third goal in five matches.

And the home side wrapped up the points with 19 minutes remaining when Everton Ribeiro lashed home number three after some good build up play.

Corinthians returned to the winners list after defeating third-placed Gremio 3-1 in Sao Paulo.

The Copa Libertadores champions went into match having won just one of their last five league fixtures but they made it two wins in three.

Brazilian midfielder Ralf broke the deadlock on six minutes before Guilherme extended the lead five minutes later.

Gremio, who were looking to go top with victory over Corinthians, pulled a goal back through substitute Leandro on the hour mark.

However, Giovanni netted his first ever goal for the hosts and their third in the 90th minute.

Meanwhile, struggling Figueirense remains second-from-bottom after playing out a 2-2 draw at Ponte Preta.