Brazil Serie A wrap: Draws help leaders

Sao Paulo and Flamengo lost ground on Brazil Serie A leaders Corinthians after both teams could only manage draws on Saturday.

Sao Paulo, second in the league, lead twice through goals from Rhodolfo and 39-year-old former Brazil international Rivaldo in their match home to Atletico Goianiense.

But first Bida and then Anselmo struck to level for the visitors at the Estadio Morumbi.

While a share of the spoils means struggling Goianiense, fourth from bottom and inside the relegation zone, move a point closer to safety, the draw leaves Sao Paulo six points back from Corinthians, who can increase the gap to nine points if they win at home to Cruzeiro on Sunday.

And third-placed Flamengo also slipped up. They now trail the leaders by seven points after being held 1-1 at home to Ceara.

The hosts led for much of the match through Renato Abreu’s first-half effort, but an equaliser from Felipe Azevedo with 10 minutes remaining saw mid-table Ceara frustrate Flamengo.

In other matches, a brace from Uruguayan Santiago Garcia helped Atletico Paranaense record a 2-1 win at home to Botafogo, the first victory of the season for the last-placed side.

Striker Alex did pull one back for the visitors in the 87th minute, but it proved to be no more than a consolation.

Botafogo finished the match with 10 men after Marcelo Mattos received a straight red card on 90 minutes.

Atletico now have five points from 11 matches played but remain bottom of the league, five points adrift of safety.

Finally, America Mineiro were held 0-0 at home to Figueirense, who came away with a point despite the loss of Paraguayan Wilson Pittoni to a second yellow card two minutes before the half-time whistle.