Brazil Serie A wrap: Gremio return to winning ways

Gremio closed in on Brazil Serie A leaders Fluminense through a win over Nautico as Botafogo were held to a draw on Thursday.

Having slipped up last week at Corinthians, Gremio returned to winning ways through a 2-0 victory over Nautico on Friday.

After a goalless first half, Marco Antonio came on at half-time for Fernando and duly delivered, scoring in the 61st minute, before Kleber doubled the advantage in the third minute of added time as he capitalised on an assist from Elano.

The victory sees Gremio move to within six points of league leaders Fluminense, while they are four points adrift of second-placed Atletico Mineiro.

In Thursday’s other match, Botafogo sit fifth after a 1-1 draw with seventh-placed Internacional.

Leandro opened the scoring for Internacional in the 68th minute as the club looked to respond to a narrow loss to Fluminense, but second-half substitute Cidinho found the back of the net for Botafogo, extending their unbeaten streak to four matches.