Ronaldo bags brace as Corinthians crush Avai
Reuters - Thursday 04 November 2010, 03:22
RIO DE JANEIRO - Ronaldo struck twice in
the last six minutes as Corinthians crushed nine-man Avai 4-0
to climb to within one point of Brazilian championship leaders
Fluminense on Wednesday.
The former Brazil striker, still visibly overweight and
unfit after an injury-plagued season, opened his account in the
84th minute when Avai had already had striker Robinho and
defender Emerson sent off.
He then converted a 90th-minute penalty after Dentinho had
been brought down.
Fluminense, who drew 0-0 away to South American champions
Internacional in Porto Alegre, have 58 points and Corinthians
57 with five matches to go.
Third-placed Cruzeiro, also on 57 points, squandered the
chance to go top when they were beaten 2-0 at home by Sao
Paulo.
Botafogo beat Atletico Goianense 3-2 at home to leave the
top four teams separated by only four points as they fight for
the title and to stay in the 2011 Libertadores Cup qualifying
places.