Luis Fabiano missed a penalty as Sao Paulo were held to a 3-3 draw by struggling Cruzeiro in a thrilling encounter in the Brazilian Campeonato.
The former Sevilla striker was starting his second successive match since returning from injury but was again unable to get on the scoresheet as his spot-kick was saved by Fabio. Sao Paulo goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni is the usual penalty taker and explained afterwards that he let Fabiano take over so he could get his first goal for the club.
"I wanted to help him get his goal, it was a collective desire," he said. "He told me wanted to take it and I wanted him to score to gain confidence. Unfortunately he did not manage it."
Sao Paulo were already trailing to a strike from Keirrison by the time the referee awarded the penalty in the 30th minute. While Fabiano could not equalise, he set up Cicero for the Tricolor's first goal in the 59th minute and Dagoberto then gave them the lead when his shot beat Fabio.
Cruzeiro fought back and levelled through Everton but again fell behind as Dagoberto set up Juan to head home. The lead lasted just four minutes as Anselmo Ramon headed in to secure a point for Cruzeiro.
The result does little to help either side as Sao Paulo have now gone four matches without winning and Cruzeiro have not tasted victory for nine games. Sao Paulo remain third in the table, while Cruzeiro are languishing in 16th.
Meanwhile, Marquinhos scored the only goal of the game in the ninth minute as Gremio beat Santos 1-0.
