Brazil Serie A wrap: Atletico stay top

19 julio 2012 07:48

Atletico Mineiro maintained their lead at the top of the Brazil Serie A with a 3-1 win over 10-man Internacional on Wednesday.

Guilherme opened the scoring for the hosts at the Estadio Raimundo Sampaio on the stroke of half-time shortly after Internacional midfielder Andres Nicolas D'Alessandro was sent off for two bookable offences in the space of a minute.

Leonardo Silva gave Atletico a two-goal cushion 15 minutes into the second half before Fred ensured a nervous finale with a fine header against the run of the play.

Substitute Damian Escudero secured the result with a goal in injury time that sees Atletico remain two points clear of Vasco da Gama, who secured a 1-0 victory at Sao Paulo.

Defender Fagner netted the only goal of the game four minutes into the second half with Sao Paulo's night further soured with the sending off of Rodrigo Caio in the 58th minute.

Gremio moved up to fourth with a come-from-behind 3-1 victory at home to Sport Recife.

Felipe Azevedo gave the visitors a surprise lead shortly before half-time, but Marcelo Moreno had Gremio back on level terms in the 64th minute.

Substitute Leandro scored twice in five minutes to seal the points for the hosts with former Manchester City midfielder Elano instrumental in the match-sealing goal.

Fifth-placed Botafogo missed the chance to put pressure on the leaders as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Santos.

Cruzeiro moved level with Botafogo on 17 points thanks to a 2-0 win at Portuguesa with Wellington Paulista and Diego Renan both on target in the second half.

A Kieza double inspired Nautico to a comfortable 3-0 win over Ponte Preta, while Corinthians defeated Flamengo by the same scoreline with Douglas netting twice.