Brazil: Corinthians close on top spot, Botafogo drop points

(GSM) – Corinthians beat Goias 5-1 on Saturday to keep pressure on Brazilian leaders Fluminense while Botafogo dropped points in a 2-2 draw with Gremio.

Last-placed Goias started well at Corinthians with Junior scoring the opener on seven minutes, but a second yellow card for Amaral 30 minutes later allowed the momentum to switch in Corinthians’ favour.

Bruno Cesar leveled in the 42nd minute and Iarly found the net for 2-1 ten minutes after the break. Jorge Henrique, a second from Iarley from the penalty spot and Boquita set the final score to 2-1.

Corinthians are now only one point behind Fluminense.

Botafogo could drop out of the top three following a 2-2 draw with Gremio, despite taking a comfortable lead with first-half goals from Antonio Carlos and German Herrera.

Gremio recovered from their poor first half display after the break and fought back with two goals from Jonas, the last of which came with just five minutes to play.