South American Futbol - Libertadores, Sudamericana, World Cup 2010

Palmeiras fought out a goalless draw with crosstown rivals Sao Paulo but remain top of the Brazilian championship after second-placed Goias were thrashed 4-0 by Internacional.

The Verdao dominated proceedings in front of 42,000 fans at the Morumbi stadium but couldn’t break through the rock-solid Sao Paulo defence. Palmeiras came closest to winning the match, but wasted several clear-cut opportunities throughout the game.

Goias travelled to Porto Alegre to do battle with Internacional and returned home empty handed after  an unexpected 4-0 defeat. Inter’s goals were scored by Marquinhos, Pablo Guinazu, Giuliano and Kleber. The match turned sour for Goias only 12 minutes in, when former Inter striker Fernandao received his marching orders.

With the win Inter moved into third place, with 37 points, one point behind Goias, and four behind league leaders Palmeiras.

Inter’s city rivals, Gremio, were held to a thrilling 3-3 draw by Botafogo at the Engenhao stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Jonas scored twice for Gremio and Souza scored another, while Botafogo’s goals were converted by Reinaldo, Victor Simoes and Leandro Guerreiro, the last coming three minutes before full-time.

The clash between Vitoria and Cruzeiro in Salvador also ended in a 3-3 tie. Meanwhile, 11th-placed Santos beat bottom-placed Fluminense 2-0 and Atletico Mineiro shared a 1-1 draw with Sport Recife. Atletico have struggled of late, after having led the championship for a number of weeks earlier in the season.

On Saturday, Flamengo cruised past Santo Andre 3-0 at Maracana stadium. Denis Marques, Leo Moura and Ze Roberto scored for the most widely supported club in Brazil. The Mengao are in 12th place with 30 points.

In the other matches, Coritiba beat Avai 2-0 and Nautico thrashed Atletico Paranaense 3-0.

On September 2, Corinthians entertain Santos in the traditional Paulista derby, while Internacional have an opportunity to jump into second when they play host to Atletico Mineiro.

Val Baiano (Barueri), Marcelinho Paraiba (Coritiba) and Roger (Vitoria) lead the Brazilian scoring charts with 11 goals each.

Gregory Sica

Goal.com

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