At the Pacaembu, São Paulo saw off a Corinthians side testing out their plans for a Club World Cup meeting with Chelsea in a convincing 3-1 victory.
Having fallen behind to a goal from Peruvian striker Paulo Guerreiro, who would later depart from the field injured, São Paulo hit back strongly with Ganso central to their display.
They may have only sent out a reserve side, but there was plenty of quality on show and it was recent signing Ganso who opened up the opposition for Douglas’ opener, before midfielder Maicon scored a screamer from range to give the hosts the lead.
In the final quarter of an hour, Ney Franco’s side then made sure of their victory, with Maicon on the scoresheet once more, and finish the season in fourth place.
Grêmio missed out on automatic qualification to the Libertadores group-stage with a 0-0 draw against rivals Internacional in a game of note only for the dismissals of three players, including Internacional‘s Leandro Damião.
Grêmio’s failure was an opportunity for Atlético Mineiro and Galo took their chance to steal second place with a 3-2 win at home to city rivals Cruzeiro.
It wasn’t easy for the hosts at the Independencia, though, with Bernard’s stunning early strike cancelled out by goals from Alejandro Martinuccio and Everton for the visitors. The game was then turned on it’s head with a double red card, one from each side, with Tinga and Leandro Donizete the guilty parties.
Atlético seized control of the game in the battle of ten-men and drew level through an own-goal, before some more calamitous defending allowed Réver to head home Ronaldinho’s corner and secure the points for the home side.
At the Engenhão, Fluminense‘s squad players were beaten 2-1 by a Vasco da Gama side who secured fifth place in the final standings. Two goals from Éder Luís were decisive for the visitors, with Thiago Carleto’s late penalty a mere consolation for the league champions.
In Paraná, Coritiba ended the season on a positive note with a convincing 3-0 victory over relegated Figueirense. A brace from Everton Ribeiro sandwiched Denis’ goal as the hosts wrapped up the season in convincing fashion.
Elsewhere in Campinas, Portuguesa ensured survival with an uneventful 0-0 draw with Ponte Preta, whilst Bahia did likewise with a 1-0 victory over Atlético-GO in Goiania.
A report of Sport‘s relegation at the hands of rivals Nautico can be found here.
