RIO DE JANEIRO, (Reuters) – Ronaldo’s return from a two-month injury layoff could not save Corinthians from a 4-1 home thrashing by Goias in the Brazilian championship on Sunday.
Bolivian substitute Pablo Escobar’s late equaliser dashed Sao Paulo’s hopes of snatching top spot from Palmeiras when they were held 1-1 by Santo Andre, while Adriano scored his third goal in two games in Flamengo’s 3-0 win over Coritiba.
Title holders Sao Paulo, who have won the last three championships, are equal with Palmeiras on 44 points but are in second on goal difference. Palmeiras, who have a game in hand, play Cruzeiro tomorrow.
The two are a point ahead of Internacional, beaten 2-0 at Vitoria on Saturday, while Goias are fourth with 42 points after 25 matches.
Sao Paulo went ahead in the 18th minute with a fine volley by midfielder Jean from left back Junior Cesar’s cross but squandered many chances to increase their lead.
Escobar scored 18 minutes from time with a shot that went under keeper Rogerio Ceni.
“We allowed Santo Andre to equalise and it’s logical we regret losing the chance to go top,” Ceni told reporters.
RONALDO’S COMEBACK
Three times FIFA Player of the Year Ronaldo, playing for the first time since July 26 after surgery on a broken hand, had little part in the action of a match dominated by Goias.
Former Boca Juniors forward Iarley scored once in each half and Fernandao and defender Joao Paulo also found the net to keep Goias in the top four Libertadores Cup qualifying places.
Dentinho pulled one back for Corinthians who are sure of their place in the 2010 South American club championship as Copa Brasil winners.
Flamengo went ahead against Coritiba at the Maracana with a free kick by their 37-year-old Serbian playmaker Dejan Petkovic.
Adriano, returning to the form he enjoyed at Inter Milan, exchanged a one-two with Petkovic before hitting a brilliant left-footed lob over the keeper for the second and midfielder Willians scored the third.
“I must play really well with my club to stay in the national team and I’m only going to manage (to go to the World Cup) if I play like this,” said Adriano, booked for taking off his shirt to celebrate his 13th goal of the championship.
“I’ve been looking after myself on and off the pitch and thank God the controversies surrounding my name have stopped.”
Bottom team Fluminense, runners-up in last year’s Libertadores Cup, sank deeper into the relegation mire with a 5-1 defeat by Gremio.