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Former Real Madrid and Inter Milan striker Ronaldo
scored his first goal for Corinthians in injury-time to rescue a 1-1
draw with Palmeiras in the Campeonato Paulista.
After making his return after more than a year out with a knee injury in
Corinthians' Copa do Brasil first round win earlier in the week, the
32-year-old Brazilian cancelled out Diego Souza's 38th minute opener
with his last-gasp header.
The draw leaves Corinthians three points adrift of leaders Palmeiras in
the Sao Paulo State Championship.
"It was a unique moment," said the three-time FIFA World Player of the
Year. "It was wonderful seeing the supporters celebrating my goal."
Taca Guanabara winners Botafogo made a successful debut in the Taca Rio
- the second half of the Rio de Janeiro state championship - with a 3-2
win at Tigres.
Juninho and Victor Simoes handed Botafogo a 2-0 half-time lead, but
Leandro Chaves reduced the deficit two minutes after the break.
Gabriel restored the advantage with five minutes remaining before Sorato
struck for Tigres in injury-time.
If Botafogo win the Taca Rio they will automatically win the Campeonato
Carioca title without the need for a final.
"We are aware of the importance of winning the opening match of the Taca
Rio because we want to win it," said Juninho.
"Now we must fix the mistakes to try to improve ahead of the next match."
Elsewhere, Carlos Alberto, Elton and Rodrigo Pimpao scored as Vasco da
Gama beat Friburguense 3-0.
In Minas Gerais state's Campeonato Mineiro, unbeaten leaders Cruzeiro
shared a goalless draw with Tupi, while second-placed Atletico Mineiro
fought back from a goal down to beat Democrata 3-1.
In the Campeonato Gaucho in Rio Grande do Sul state, Santa Cruz edged
out Gremio 3-2, while Ypiranga beat Sapucaiense 3-1.
Campeonato Paranaense leaders Atletico Paranaense, who beat Londrina 3-0
earlier in the weekend, held onto their seven point lead after
second-placed Coritiba lost 1-0 against Joao Malucelli.
Goias continue their unbeaten campaign in the Campeonato Goiano
following a 1-0 triumph over Vila Nova courtesy of Pedro Iarley's 34th
minute strike.
Group A leaders Crac lost 2-1 to Atletico Goiano, who sit two points
adrift of Goias in Group B.
Finally, Washington and Nadson scored as Campeonato Baiano leaders
Vitoria beat Camacari 2-0, while Bahia remained two points adrift after
easing to a 4-1 win against Vitoria da Conquista. |
