São Paulo have moved into the Brasileirão’s coveted fourth place with a 2-0 win over struggling Figueirense at the Morumbi yesterday.
Sunday’s Brasileirão round up: Flu win 2-1 to maintain title lead
Fluminense 2-1 Ponte Preta: Flu maintain title lead after early scare
The Tricolor Paulista, who have now won three in a row, currently occupy the last Copa Libertadores qualification spot after leapfrogging Vasco da Gama, who lost 2-0 at Santos.
Luís Fabiano set the home side on their way when he grabbed his 15th goal of the season in the , which makes him the league’s leading goalscorer alongside Fred of Fluminense.
It was the Brazil forward’s fifth goal in four games, which Douglas added to eight minutes later and was eventually enough to seal all three points.
São Paulo are now two points clear of Vasco, while Grêmio remain third after their 1-1 draw against Botafogo.
São Paulo goalkeeper, Rogério Ceni, said: “Going by the football displayed in the last two weeks, our team can play as equals against Fluminense, Grêmio and Atlético Mineiro.
“It will not be easy to achieve, but we can make this final turn at the same level of these teams and keep fighting with Vasco until the end of the championship.”
São Paulo now face a visit from bottom club Atlético Goianiense, who recently shocked Internacional with a 3-1 win.
Rogério Ceni added: “We need to win the next round. Everyone thought that Atlético were finished, but they beat Inter.
“The scenario seems favorable, but if we do not have the same desire we showed against Vasco and Palmeiras, we can be surprised.”
São Paulo: Rogério Ceni; Paulo Miranda, Rhodolfo, Rafael Toloi, Cortez; Wellington, Maicon (Cícero), Jadson (Casemiro); Douglas, Osvaldo (Ademilson), Luis Fabiano. Coach: Ney Franco
Figueirense: Wilson; Elsinho, João Paulo (Edson,Doriva), Sandro, Helder; Jackson, Coutinho, Claudinei, Ronny; Julio Cesar (Botti), Aloísio. Coach: Márcio Goiano
