Brazil Serie A Wrap: Cruzeiro leapfrog Botafogo into lead

Cruzeiro has knocked Botafogo off the top of the Serie A table with a 2-1 win at Criciuma as their title-rivals were held to a 2-2 draw.

Criciuma were on track to secure a draw at home when Bruno Lopes struck midway through the second half versus Cruzeiro before Ricardo Goulart put the visitors 2-1 ahead seven minutes from time.

Vinicius Araujo was the other scorer for the league leaders, who profited from Botafogo’s draw at Atletico Mineiro.

The two Brazilian clubs finished the day level on 24 points but Cruzeiro moves ahead courtesy of their superior goal difference.

Atletico twice came from behind to frustrate Botafogo with Brazil international Ronaldinho cancelling out Elias’ strike on 29 minutes and Luan doing likewise in stoppage time after Nicolas Lodeiro scored.

Flamengo surrendered a late lead to draw 1-1 with 10-man Portuguesa, thanks to Lauro’s stoppage time goal.

The hosts looked on track for an easy win when Ferdinando was sent off in stoppage time but Portuguesa made light of the disadvantage to secure a point.

Santos and Corinthians were both reduced to 10 men in their 1-1 draw. Willian cancelled out Paulo Andre’s early opener for Corinthians, in the 55th minute, before both attackers were sent off in the second half.

Paulo Baier scored the only goal of the game nine minutes from time as Atletico Paranaense defeated Bahia 1-0, Coritiba stayed in third place with a 1-0 win at Gremio and Walter scored a goal in each half in Goias’ 2-1 victory over Nautico.

Fourth-placed Vitoria were held to a 1-1 draw by Fluminense, as were Vasco da Gama at home to Ponte Preta.