Fluminense extend lead in Brazilian Serie A

(GSM) – Fluminense extended their lead in the Brazilian Serie A, beating Copa Libertadores finalists Internacional 3-0 on Sunday. Second-placed Corinthians lost 3-2 at Avai.

Internacional, possibly more focused on this week’s return leg meeting with Mexican side Chivas de Guadalajara in the final of the Copa Libertadores, offered little resistance in their away match to ‘Flu’.

An own goal from Fabiano Eller helped Fluminense to a 20th-minute lead and Washington made it 2-0 two minutes later.

The third and final home goal came from Emerson in the 59th minute. Rafael Sobis of Internacional made sure that he gets the week off after the Libertadores final, conceding a straight red card at three minutes from the end of regular time.

Corinthians saw the gap with Fluminense grow to four points following a 3-2 defeat at Avai, who scored the opener through Davi in the tenth minute.

Bruno Cesar equalised five minutes before the end, but his teammate Chicao netted an own goal right after the break to restore Avai’s lead. Rafael Costa then made it 2-1 in the 52nd minute and Emerson found the target for 3-1 seven minutes later.

Bruno Cesar did pull one back in the 75th but Avai held on to their lead to secure the three points. Despite losing to their nearest rivals, Corinthians do keep a comfortable six-point advantage over Avai.