Corinthians moved two points clear at the top of the Brazilian Campeonato with three games to play after sneaking past Ceara 1-0. Luis Ramirez struck the winner in the 81st minute and Ceara finished the match with 10 men as Fabricio was shown a second yellow card.
Vasco da Gama fell back in the standings after being held to a 1-1 draw at Palmeiras. Dede gave the visitors an early lead but Luan equalised on the hour mark to deny Vasco victory.
Fred scored four times to help Fluminense win a thrilling encounter 5-4 against Gremio and keep their slim title hopes alive. Gremio led 2-1 at the break thanks to goals from Marquinhos and Rafael Marques but Fred netted his second to make it 2-2 and Rafael Sobis then gave Flu the lead for the first time. Brandao and Adilson put Gremio back in front, only for Fred to score twice in three minutes, including a penalty, to give Flu the win and keep them five points behind the leaders.
Figueirense's slim title hopes all but disappeared on Thursday as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Flamengo. Jorginho's side had won their last five matches prior to kick-off but were unable to break down Flamengo, with Aloisio spurning their best chance from the penalty spot in the 61st minute.
Ganso scored a late equaliser to help Santos draw 1-1 at home with Atletico Goianiense, who took the lead in the 36th minute thanks to Leonardo. Meanwhile, Atletico Mineiro were 2-1 winners against Coritiba thanks to goals from Neto Berola and Leonardo Silva, with Bill scoring a late consolation.
At the bottom, America Mineiro continued their remarkable late surge as they beat Botafogo 2-1, their third straight win over a side in the top five. Mario Kempes netted from the spot to give America the lead and Fabio Junior made it 2-0 before half-time. Sebastian Abreu pulled a goal back for Botafogo but they were unable to equalise, despite playing against 10 men for the final 25 minutes after Gilson was sent off.
A ninth-minute goal from Gilberto helped Internacional beat Bahia 1-0 while Joffre Guerron boosted Atletico Paranaense's survival hopes as he scored the only goal of the game against Sao Paulo. Cruzeiro are still very much involved in the relegation battle after being held to a goalless draw by basement side Avai.
