Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 16

Botafogo 2-1 Barueri
Sport Recife 0-1 Palmeiras
Corinthians 0-0 Avaí
Atlético Paranaense 1-0 Fluminense
Flamengo 1-1 Náutico
Vitória 0-1 São Paulo
Atlético Miniero 3-2 Coritiba
Grêmio 4-1 Cruzeiro
Santo André 1-2 Goiás

Botafogo continued their improvement with a 2-1 win over Barueri. Andre Lima put the home side ahead after a header from Batista was only parried by the Barueri keeper but the visitors were level by half time courtesy of Marcio Careca. The game was heading for a draw before Andre Lima stole all three points with his second goal of the match with a well placed shot from the edge of the box. Palmeiras guaranteed they'd remain top at the end of the weekend after a 1-0 victory in Recife, an own goal from Bruno Teles giving the Big Green a single goal victory.

Corinthians were held to a goalless draw by Avaí, the hosts did hit the bar but were grateful to goalkeeper Felipe for keeping them in the game. Flamengo and Náutico shared the points at the Maracaña in Andrade's first official game in charge of the home team. Gilmar put the visitors ahead in the first half before Leo Moura rescued a point for Fla with 9 minutes left. That was overshadowed by one of the most bizarre sendings off ever, Náutico defender Vagner Silva got a second yellow card for changing his shorts during the match without permission from the referee. After tearing up his first pair of shorts, Silva quickly made the change near to the touchline, but the referee was advised by the fourth official and showed the player a second yellow to the outrage and bemusement of the Náutico players. São Paulo's charge up the table continued with a 1-0 victory at Vitória. Dagoberto with the goal on 73 minutes to lift the Champions to up to eighth.

Atlético-MG kept up the pressure on Palmeiras after a late late show against Coritiba. 2 headed goals inside a minute from Jonilson and Diego Tardelli put Atlético-MG 2-0 up but Demerson halved the lead 5 minutes with a well taken header form a corner. Despite having a host of chances Atlético-MG let Coritiba back in the game when Leozinho broke clear and equalised with 8 minutes left. Atlético-MG weren't to be denied though and won it three minutes from time, Renan Oliveira turning in the box and firing home the winner. The Libertadors hang over continues for a Cruzeiro team that finished with 9 men against Grêmio. Jonathan had already been sent off before Wellington Paulista put Cruzeiro ahead form the spot 5 minutes before half time. Then Thiago Ribero saw a straight red for use of the elbow 5 minutes into the second half and Grêmio took full advantage of the extra players. Réver's header levelled things before Tchecho put Grêmio ahead. Jonas made it three and Maxi López wrapped things up in the last minute. With Internacional having the weekend off Goiás took advantage to move into third with a come from behind victory against Santo André. Pablo Escobar put Santo André ahead after 67 minutes after a bit of a scramble in the penalty area. Iarley levelled 10 minutes later getting in front of his defender to slot home and then Julio César stole all three points in the last minute for Goiás with a quality finish that would have graced any game.

The game of the weekend saw 18th place Atlético-PR entertain 19th placed Fluminense in a crucial 6 pointer. In a game played in driving rain. After exerting heavy pressure in the first half and forcing Flu keeper Kieza into making some crucial saves. The breakthrough though came in the 41st minute, Paulo Baier with a free kick from 25 yards out that flew into the back of the net. Atlético continued to build the pressure but Raul stupidly got himself sent off after receiving a second yellow card with 4 minutes to go. Flu then hit the post and forced Atlético-PR keeper Galatto into an amazing full stretch save to earn the points for Atlético-PR and dump Fluminense to the bottom of the table.

Again there is midweek action in Série A, do these boys ever get a rest? Anyway, here is how the line up for Rodanda 17. Atlético Miniero and Internacional have this midweek round off for whatever reason.

Cruzeiro x Atlético Paranaense
São Paulo x Botafogo
Avaí x Santo André
Náutico x Corinthians
Goiás x Flamengo
Coritiba x Santos
Palmeiras x Grêmio
Fluminense x Sport Recife
Barueri x Vitória