Brazil Serie A: Atletico Mineiro 1 Flamengo 1

Atletico Mineiro’s chances of winning the Brazil Serie A title have been dealt a blow after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Flamengo.

Renato Abreu gave Flamengo a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute and although Leonardo equalised for the home team early in the second half, Atletico Mineiro failed to score a winning goal and they are now eight points behind league leaders Fluminense.

With five games to go, Atletico Mineiro face an uphill battle to overhaul Fluminense and win the title.

Flamengo’s goal came from a throw-in with the ball eventually falling at the feet of Abreu, who was well outside the area, and the veteran midfielder smashed a left-footed shot into the bottom corner of the goal.

In the 58th minute, Mineiro hit back with a move down the left ending with a cross from Bernard and Leonardo leapt high at the back post to head the ball in off the woodwork.