Brazilian Serie A wrap: Gremio take fourth spot

Gremio have snatched fourth spot on the Brazilian Serie A table from Atletico Paranaense after a spiteful 3-1 victory on Saturday.

Nine Paranaense players received yellow cards at the Estadio Olimpico Monumental, with all but three coming in the second half.

Young defender Neuton scored his first top-flight goal on 13 minutes to put Gremio ahead 1-0, but the 20-year-old gave away a penalty for an infringement inside the area six minutes later.

Former Goias midfielder Paulo Baier converted the spot kick to level the match at 1-1.

But Douglas made it 2-1 from the spot in the 59th minute after Baier received a caution inside the area, and Diego clinched the victory for Gremio with a goal in the 89th minute.

Gremio move to fourth on the table with 57 points, leaving them in contention for a Copa Libertadores berth with two fixtures left in the Serie A season.

Paranaense are a point behind in fifth.

Meanwhile, Guarani’s hopes of avoiding relegation were dealt a blow when they went down 2-1 at Flamengo.

Renato Abreu put the hosts ahead with a goal in just the second minute, but Baiano equalised for Guarani 10 minutes later.

Young Flamengo attacker Diego Mauricio scored what would prove to be the winning goal in the 34th minute, the fourth of his maiden top-flight season.

In other results, 10-man Ceara held on for a 1-1 draw at Gremio Prudente, with Geraldo’s late goal cancelling out Rhayner’s 27th-minute strike.