Brazilian Serie A wrap: Happy travels for Corinthians, Flamengo

Corinthians and Flamengo both won 1-0 away from home on Sunday to hold first and second place respectively in Brazil’s Serie A.

Corinthians had to wait until the 70th minute at Estadio Serra Dourada to break the deadlock against struggling Atletico Goianiense.

A goal from striker Willian with 20 minutes to go ensured the visitors came away with all three points and secured their fifth-consecutive victory.

They remain top of the table and remain three points clear of Flamengo, who returned to second place after beating last season’s champions Fluminense 1-0.

Visitors Flamengo needed a goal from midfielder Willians one minute into first-half injury time at Estadio Olimpico Joao Havelange to record a valuable win on the road.

Defeat leaves Fluminense ninth, already 10 points off the pace despite having played one more match than Corinthians.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Santos’ woes continued when they went down 3-0 away to Palmeiras.

First-half goals from Maikon Leite, Mauricio Ramos and Patrik wrapped up a comprehensive victory for the home side.

They are now who fourth in the table, four points behind the leaders.

Copa Libertadores winners Santos, with star men Neymar and Ganso absent as part of Brazil’s Copa America squad, have won just twice from seven matches played.

Jhonata Obina and Neto Berola were on target as Atletico Mineiro defeated America Mineiro 2-0 at home, while Gremio saw off visitors Coritiba by the same scoreline.

A 78th-minute equaliser from Fahel helped Bahia draw 1-1 at home to Botafogo, who had led through Elkeson’s first-half goal.

And Figueirense also had to come from 1-0 down to draw 1-1 at home, with Maicon netting just past the hour mark to cancel out Washington’s third-minute opener.