Brazilian Serie A wrap: Palmeiras, Fluminense triumph

Palmeiras defeated Atletico Paranaense 1-0 on Saturday to take the lead in Brazil’s Serie A, while Fluminense and Figueirense also won.

Visitors Atletico held Palmeiras goalless into the second half at Estadio Paulo Machado de Carvalho.

But their task became harder when defender Romulo received his marching orders just before the hour mark.

And the hosts made their advantage count, with defensive midfielder Chico netting the winning goal 15 minutes from time.

Elsewhere on Saturday, a brace from striker Rafael Moura helped Fluminense win 2-1 at home over Cruzeiro.

Moura put the hosts ahead on the stroke of half-time at Estadio Olimpico Joao Havelange.

Cruzeiro levelled through forward Anselmo Ramon on 68 minutes, but parity lasted just three minutes before Moura struck again to complete his double and secure all three points for Flu.

Botafogo earned a point with a 2-2 draw away to Ceara.

The visitors led through a goal from midfielder Elkeson on 28 minutes, before Osvaldo and then Michel struck to make it 2-1 to hosts Ceara.

But an equaliser from defender Antonio Carlos 15 minutes from time saw Botafogo escape with a share of the spoils.

Finally, two goals in five second-half minutes from forward Heber and defender Edson Silva saw Figueirense win 2-0 at home to Atletico Goianiense.