Atletico Mineiro relinquished its top spot in the Brazilian League after a 3-1 loss to Flamengo on Thursday. For a much of the first half it seemed as if Atletico Mineiro would let no one stop it from continuing its league lead, a position now occupied by Palmeiras thanks to its 1-0 victory over Fluminense on Wednesday.
In the second minute, Atletico Mineiro striker Eder Luis received a well placed pass from midfielder Serginho and slammed the ball into Flamengo's net to open the scoring.
The equalizer came in the 36th minute when midfielder Toro gained possession of the ball, ran down the field and passed it on to fellow midfielder Leonardo Moura who sent it into the right side of Atletico Mineiro's net.
Flamengo pulled ahead two minutes later with a goal by midfielder Kleberson.
In the 59th minute, midfielder Everton outran and outmaneuvered several Atletico Mineiro players before passing the ball to forward Adriano, who quickly returned it to Everton for Flamengo's third goal.
Also on Thursday, striker Dagoberto scored twice as defending champion Sao Paulo continued inching its way upward in the standings with a 2-1 victory over Gremio.
Dagoberto opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a well placed shot into the left corner of Gremio's net. In a counterattack in the 66th minute Dagoberto passed the ball to midfielder Jorge Wagner who a few seconds later returned it to the forward for Sao Paulo's second goal.
{{/usCountry}}Dagoberto opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a well placed shot into the left corner of Gremio's net. In a counterattack in the 66th minute Dagoberto passed the ball to midfielder Jorge Wagner who a few seconds later returned it to the forward for Sao Paulo's second goal.
{{/usCountry}}Gremio midfielder Tcheco made it 2-1 on a penalty kick in the 79th minute.
In another game, Avai overwhelmed Vitoria 4-0. On Wednesday, Santos beat Nautico 2-1; Coritiba and Botafogo tied 2-2; Internacional downed Barueri 3-2; Goias beat Atletico Paranaense 3-0; Santo Andre and Corinthians tied 1-1; and Cruzeiro beat Sport 1-0.