Corinthians downs leader Atletico

Paulo Andre's 63rd-minute goal was enough to give Corinthians a 1-0 win, despite having Marcio Emerson sent off 14 minutes later.

Atletico was unable to make the most of its numerical advantage and also ended the game with 10 men when Junior Cesar was dismissed in the last minute.

Fifth-placed Sao Paulo also went down to a 1-0 away defeat as Bahia took all three points thanks to a goal from Santana Gabriel (71).

Botafogo enjoyed a 2-0 win over Coritiba thanks to goals from De Oliveira Elkeson and Nicolas Lodeiro within the first half-hour, while Cruzeiro left it late to beat Nautico Recife 3-0.

It took until the 75th minute for Humberlito Borges to open the scoring before Jose Elber (71) and Wellington Paulista (90) gave the scoreline a more flattering look.

Internacional was the biggest scorer on the day, beating Flamengo 4-1 after going behind to a 15th-minute opener from Silva Vagner Love.

Diego Forlan equalised on 29 minutes and also scored his side's third in the second half, with Rosado Josimar (39) and Leandro Damiao also getting (75) also getting on the scoresheet.

Elsewhere, Ponte Preta also came from behind to beat struggler Atletico Goianiense 3-1.

The visitor took the lead on nine minutes through Diego Giaretta but eventually saw its resistance broken as Moro Giancarlo (58), Luiz Antonio Ferron (68) and Janderson Cleber (85) all found the net before Martins Marcos was sent off two minutes from time.

Sport Recife also had a man sent off but held on to beat Santos 2-1 thanks to goals from Hugo and Felipe Azevedo in the first half.

Conceicao Edcarlos (59) was sent off after De Souza Andre (51) had pulled a goal back for Santos, but the home side defended resolutely.