Brazilian Serie A wrap: Corinthians stumble, Fluminense crush Ceara

Brazilian Serie A leaders Corinthians lost their second match of the season on Sunday, going down 3-2 away to Avai.

The visitors had led through a goal from Emerson 31 minutes into the match at Estadio Aderbal Ramos da Silva.

They held the lead going into the half-time break, but three goals in succession, the first from William followed by two to Rafael Coelho, marked an impressive turnaround for the home side.

Jorge Henrique pulled one back for Corinthians in the 90th minute, but it was too late to prevent a surprise defeat to the strugglers.

It was just Avai’s second win of the season and lifts them off the foot of the table into 18th place.

Corinthians remain top despite the defeat, but are now just one point ahead of second-placed Flamengo.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Fluminense were comprehensive winners with a 4-0 victory over Ceara.

Fred opened the scoring for the home side 35 minutes into the match, with second-half goals from Souza, Rafael Sobis and Rafael Moura completing the rout.

The visitors had to play the entire second half with just 10 men following the sending off of Heleno in the 45th minute.

Santos’ poor start to the season continued, as they went down 3-2 away to Atletico Paranaense.

The home side were 2-0 up just 10 minutes in, courtesy of goals from Cleber Santana and Manoel.

Neymar pulled one back on 13 minutes, before Borges struck to get Santos back on level terms just past the hour mark.

But a last-minute winner from Marcinho sealed a 3-2 victory for the home side.

Vasco da Gama climbed to fifth with a 2-0 win over Sao Paulo, with Eder Luis and Felipe striking in the second half.

In other matches, Internacional were held 0-0 at home by Atletico Goianiense, hosts Bahia saw off Figueirense 3-1, while Coritiba won at America Mineiro by the same score-line.