It was only deep into the second-half substitute Emerson Sheik cancelled out Robinho’s early effort, following the dismissal of Leandro Castán in controversial circumstances.
Then, late on, showing the spirit of champions, ex-Sporting striker Liédson popped up to add a second and send the Timão to the top of the Brasileirão table (although the goal may well go down as an own goal on review).
For Avaí, it was a cruel blow, with three points potentially massive for the club’s hopes of avoiding relegation. Now the Florianópolis club are starring down the barrell with just six games remaining.
