Corinthians defeats leader Fluminense 2-1

Corinthians beat leader Fluminense 2-1 in the 22nd round of the Brazilian Championship on Wednesday.

The match was marred by the absence of both teams' star strikers Fred and Ronaldo.

Corinthians scored their first goal in the 44th minute, as Elias adjusted a rebounded shot over the head of the defense to Jucilei who proceeded to dominate the ball and blow it past keeper Fernando Henrique into the right side of the goal.

Corinthians scored again in the 65th minute when Alessandro drove towards the goal and passed it off to Iarley who then slid to tap in his team's second goal.

Fluminense responded in the 69th minute when Washington appeared to redirect a Rodriguinho pass, firing the ball into the left side of the net. However, the single goal was not enough to avoid Corinthians from a souring defeat.

The win takes Corinthians to 41 points, tied with leader Fluminense. Although Fluminense remains in first place due to goal difference. they have played one more game than Corinthians.

In the 23rd round, Corinthians will receive Gremio Prudente on Saturday, while Fluminense will play cross-town rival Flamengo on Sunday.

Source: Xinhua