Corinthians edge top as Vasco stumble

Ten-man Corinthians went top of the Campeonato table with a 2-1 win over Avai, but they were made to do it the hard way on Sunday. With Vasco da Gama being held to a 0-0 draw by Sao Paolo, Adenor Bacchi`s men had the chance to hit the front but that looked unlikely when Robson put Avai ahead in the 13th minute. Their chances were reduced further when Leandro saw red (51), but goals from Emerson (62) and Liedson (78) sent them top. Fifth-placed Flamengo were unable to stay on Corinthians` shoulder, though, losing 4-2 at Gremio. Deivid gave them a 23rd-minute lead, but Andre Lima cancelled it out. Back came Flamengo through Thiago Neves but, after Andre Lima scored again the home side never looked back and late goals from Douglas and Miralles won it for them. At Orlando Scarpelli, a second-half brace from well-travelled midfielder Fernandes helped Figueirense come from behind to beat Bahia 2-1. Rodrigo de Souza gave the visitors the lead but Fernandes equalised just three minutes after coming on as a substitute, before winning it with 21 minutes left. Bottom side America MG lost for the 15th time this season as they went down 3-1 at Coritiba. Kempes did put them ahead early on but, once Coritiba levelled through Rafinha they were in charge and Davi Rodrigues and Jeci finished the job. Gilson was sent off for MG late on. Atletico Mineiro got the better of their mid-table battle with Palmeiras, winning 2-1. Neto Berola gave them the lead and Fillipe Soutto made it two, before Luan made for a tense finish, even though his side had Mauricio Ramos and Valdivia sent off. Elsewhere, Kleber`s goal just shy of the hour-mark helped Internacional win 1-0 at Atletico Goianiense.