Brazilian Serie A wrap: Corinthians thump Sao Paulo

A scintillating second-half helped Corinthians a 5-0 defeat of Sao Paulo on Sunday, propelling them to second in the Brazilian Serie A.

The match pitted two of Brazil’s strongest clubs against each other, with Sao Paulo having won all five of their league matches this season leading into the clash, while Corinthians were unbeaten from four.

In the eagerly anticipated match at the Estadio Municipal Paulo Machado de Carvalho, both sides made a cagey beginning. But the match was turned on its head when Sao Paulo’s Carlinhos Paraiba was given two yellow cards in the space of eight minutes, leading to his dismissal with just five first-half minutes remaining.

Both sides went into the break without a goal. Buoyed on by their home fans, however, Corinthians came out breathing fire in the second half.

Danilo’s goal just two minutes into the second half was the catalyst for the demolition job, with naturalised Portuguese striker Liedson doubling the hosts’ lead seven minutes later.

Liedson added to his account in the 61st minute as the numerical advantage began to show, and the former Sporting Lisbon forward bagged his hat-trick with 12 minutes to play.

Jorge Henrique wrapped up the victory with his 82nd-minute goal as Tite’s squad celebrated a huge victory.

In other matches, Palmeiras were beaten for the first time this season as they lost 2-0 to Ceara, courtesy of first-half strikes from Washington and Thiago Humberto.

Avai’s winless streak extended to six games as they were beaten 1-0 at home by Fluminense, with Dario Conca grabbing the winner.

Marcelo Mattos and Elkeson netted in Botafogo’s 2-1 win over Gremio.