Brazil Serie A wrap: Cruzeiro usurp Vasco from top spot

Cruzeiro moved top of the Brazil Serie A table after defeating Vasco da Gama 3-1 in their top-of-the-table clash on Saturday.

Vasco da Gama held a two point advantage prior to the game but goals from Walter Montillo, Wellington Paulista and Anselmo Ramon helped Cruizero leapfrog their rivals.

Argentina’s Walter Montillo opened the scoring with four minutes remaining in the first half before setting up the league’s top-scorer Wellington Paulista for his fourth goal on 63 minutes.

Vasco da Gama defender Rodolfo pulled a goal back three minutes later to ensure a nervy finish but the visitors put the result beyond doubt nine minutes from time through substitute Anselmo Ramon.

Cruzeiro have now won four successive matches and entertain Sao Paulo in their next match, while Vasco da Gama are at home again to Ponte Preta.

At the Estadio Raimundo Sampaio, Ronaldinho opened his account for Atletico Mineiro and set up another goal as the one-time Brazilian Serie A champions hammered Nautico 5-1.

Bernard had given Atletico the lead on three minutes but his goal was cancelled out by Araujo’s 13th minute effort.

Atletico were awarded a penalty 10 minutes before the interval and Ronaldinho made no mistake to restore the home side’s lead.

Nautico defender Marcio Rozario turned the ball into his own net two minutes later to give Atletico a two-goal buffer heading in the break and second-half goals from Danilinho and substitute Damian Escudero completed the rout.

In Saturday’s other match, Portuguesa handed Sao Paulo their second consecutive loss, winning 1-0 thanks to a 57th minute goal from Ivan.

It was the first time Portuguesa had beaten Sao Paulo in the Serie A since their 2-1 triumph in 1999.