Brazilian Serie A wrap: Corinthians in command, Flamengo lose ground

Corinthians beat Botafogo 2-0 on Wednesday to extend their lead atop the Brazilian Serie A, while Flamengo dropped further behind.

Liedson netted his fifth strike of the campaign on the cusp of half-time for the visitors at the Estadio Olimpico Joao Havelange, before Paulinho added a second three minutes into second-half injury time to seal Corinthians’ seventh straight win.

The Sao Paulo club have secured 28 from a possible 30 points this season, with Wednesday’s result increasing their buffer to eight points over second-placed Sao Paulo.

Flamengo missed the chance to leap frog of Sao Paulo after they were held to a scoreless draw at Palmeiras.

The result means Flamengo remain unbeaten in 10 matches this campaign, but crucially they have won just five of those.

Wednesday’s other match also finished scoreless, with mid-table sides Figueirense and Gremio both unable to find the target at the Estadio Orlando Scarpelli.