Corinthians inflict rare home defeat on Gremio
Reuters - Monday 17 May 2010, 02:39
RIO DE JANEIRO - Corinthians handed
Gremio their first home defeat in 18 months when they beat them
2-1 in the Brazilian championship on Sunday.
Gremio's city rivals Internacional gave themselves a boost
ahead of their visit to Libertadores Cup holders Estudiantes in
La Plata in the quarter-finals on Thursday when they came back
from two goals down to win 3-2 away to Goias.
Corinthians, looking to win the championship after their
Libertadores Cup hopes in their centenary year were dashed by
Flamengo, went ahead at the Olimpico in Porto Alegre after five
minutes with a header by midfielder Ralf from a Dentinho
corner.
Striker Souza, playing in place of Ronaldo, scored the
second 20 minutes into the second half when he netted after a
poor clearance by central defender Bruno Collaco.
Substitute Maylson pulled one back 10 minutes later but
Corinthians defended their advantage to open a two-point lead
in the standings.
"Against Gremio, who are a strong team, we got a very
important victory ... It's a great merit to get a win in here,"
Corinthians' left back Roberto Carlos told reporters.
"It's not normal at Corinthians, in such an important year
as this, to play only one competition, but destiny made that
happen."
Inter, who beat Estudiantes 1-0 at home in last week's
quarter-final first leg, rested some first team players and
were 2-0 down at half time.
Striker Walter scored twice in the second half and was also
fouled for the penalty eight minutes from time, which
19-year-old playmaker Giuliano converted for the win.
Champions Flamengo, upset 3-2 by Universidad de Chile in
the home leg of their Libertadores tie, were held 1-1 by
Vitoria on Saturday.
Sao Paulo, who upset Cruzeiro 2-0 away in an all-Brazilian
Libertadores tie in midweek, lost 2-1 at home to Botafogo.
Cruzeiro, also resting several players, had to come from
behind to draw 2-2 at home with Avai after having defender
Leonardo Silva sent off in the 17th minute.
Striker Wellington scored twice in seven minutes in the
second half including the equalising penalty on the hour after
Avai goalkeeper Ze Carlos was sent off.
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