Corinthians win as Brazil championship begins
Reuters - Sunday 09 May 2010, 23:40
RIO DE JANEIRO, May 9 (Reuters) - Corinthians put their
Libertadores Cup elimination behind them with a 2-1 home win
over nine-man Atletico Paranaense in their opening match of the
Brazilian championship on Sunday.
Striker Kleber scored twice as Cruzeiro beat Internacional
2-1 away in a meeting of two sides that reached the last eight
in South America's top club competition in midweek while
another two, Flamengo and Sao Paulo, drew 1-1.
At the Pacaembu in Sao Paulo, Paranaense had Paulo Baier
sent off in the 42nd minute but they still went ahead when
Marcio Azevedo's free kick on the stroke of halftime went
through a group of players in the box without anyone getting a
touch.
Souza equalised on the hour for a Corinthians side whose
dream of a first Libertadores Cup crown in the club's centenary
year had been dashed by Flamengo.
Paranaense had goalkeeper Neto shown the red card 20
minutes from time for a foul outside his box and former Brazil
striker Ronaldo scored the winner with a penalty in the 82nd.
At the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, striker Washington gave
Sao Paulo a half time lead but Denis Marques equalised for
Flamengo early in the second half in a match in which both
sides rested first choice players for their Libertadores Cup
matches this week.
At the Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre, where Inter will meet
Libertadores Cup holders Estudiantes of Argentina in the first
leg of their quarter-final on Thursday, both sides also fielded
a number of reserves.
There were two goals in the opening six minutes. Kleber put
Cruzeiro ahead with a penalty after a harsh handball decision
but Inter replied quickly when Taison headed home after
Giuliano's fine run and cross.
Kleber scored the winner in the 36th minute from a pass by
Fabricio. Inter had a second half equaliser disallowed for
obstruction.
Cruzeiro are at home to Sao Paulo in the first leg of the
Libertadores quarter-finals on Wednesday while Flamengo host
Universidad de Chile at the Maracana.