Cruzeiro and São Paulo both returned to winning ways in the Brazilian Serie A, as Figueirense ended a three-match losing streak.
Marcelo Oliveira’s league leaders Cruzeiro left it late to take all 3 points at Vitoria. The win extended their lead at the summit to seven points, and it was Dede who notched in the late winner, sinking the hearts of the relegation-threatened hosts.
It was a relief for the leaders, who went into the match on a three-match losing streak in all competitions.
São Paulo moved into second place courtesy of a 2-1 win at home to Bahia. The game was highlighted by a stunning free-kick from goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni.
The legendary keeper, who takes both the free-kicks and penalties for his side, curled in a 25-yard effort to give the hosts the lead.
It was Ceni’s eight goal this campaign, and his 123rd career goal.
Ganso doubled the lead late in the second half, with a neat left-foot finish from outside the area.
Fahel nodded in an 88th-minute goal for Bahia, but it was rendered consolation for Gilson Kleina’s relegation-placed outfit.
Corinthians earned a vital 2-1 away win over Internacional, which dropped the losers down to third spot. There’s now a number of teams bunched together competing for the fourth spot.
Paolo Guerrero capitalised on some lax Internacional defending, as his volley put his side ahead in the third minute.
Corinthians doubled their lead just before the break, when Gil headed home from a set piece deep into first-half stoppage time.
Corinthians keeper Cassio had a howler to hand Internacional a passage back into the match, Nilmar capitalised and passed into an empty net in the 73rd minute after Cassio let the ball slip through his hands.
But Cassio and his team-mates held on for all three points that significantly boosts their chances of a fourth-place finish.
Just one point separates third-place Internacional from Corinthians in fifth.
Currently in fourth-place are Mineiro, who had a 1-0 home win over Chapecoense courtesy of Douglas Santos’ first-half goal.
Gremio were held to a 0-0 draw away at Goias, but still remain two points clear in sixth-place ahead of Santos and Fluminense who both won at the weekend.
Wagner scored a brace to help Fluminense come from behind and beat Criciuma 4-2.
Palmeiras were defeated 3-1 at home to Santos, thanks to a double from Gabriel.
The game however was marred with the unfortunate news that a fan died during clashes with both sets of fans. There was also several other fans who had to be taken to hospital due to injuries from the clashes of the rival fans.
Atletico Paranaense conceded early but beat Flamengo 2-1, while Botafogo held Sport Recife to a 1-1 stalemate.