After matchday 19, the Brasileirao Serie A offers exciting stories at both ends of the table. Flamengo and Botafogo are locked in a battle for the top spot, while Gremio and Fluminense are struggling to avoid relegation.

Cruzeiro 2-0 Juventude

Cruzeiro secured a 2-0 victory against recently promoted Juventude. Fernando Seabra’s side converted two penalties, with William Furtado scoring in the first half (45+1′) and Juan Ignacio Dinneno sealing the win in the 87th minute.

At the 80-minute mark, Cruzeiro’s historic goalkeeper Cássio made a crucial save from Nenê’s header, denying Juventude an equalizer.

With this victory, Cruzeiro moves closer to Copa Libertadores qualification, while Juventude occupies the final spot for next year’s Copa Sudamericana.

Sao Paulo 2-2 Botafogo

This clash is always a highlight of the Brasileirao calendar. Botafogo aims to pull ahead in the title race, while Sao Paulo, sitting in fifth place, seeks to join the fight for top positions.

The match ended in a 2-2 draw. Lucas Moura (Sao Paulo) and Tiquinho Soares (Botafogo) delivered identical performances, each scoring a penalty and providing an assist for their team’s other goal.

With this result, Botafogo remains atop the table, three points ahead of Flamengo, who have a game in hand.

Flamengo Continue the Fight to Botafogo

Flamengo visited Vitória’s stadium, determined to keep pace with Botafogo. Despite a challenging start, Flamengo took the lead in the 39th minute with a goal by Uruguayan Giorgian de Arrascaeta.

Vitória equalized in the 76th minute through Everaldo, but Carlinhos secured Flamengo’s 2-1 victory in the 90th minute after a precise pass from Gabriel Barbosa.

With this win, Flamengo maintains its position as Botafogo’s closest competitor, while Vitória remains in the relegation zone.

Fluminense 1-0 Palmeiras

Fluminense hosted Palmeiras in a clash between two storied Brazilian clubs experiencing contrasting fortunes. While Fluminense fights to escape relegation, Palmeiras is vying for Copa Libertadores qualification.

At the Maracana, Fluminense capitalized on home advantage, narrowly defeating Palmeiras with a goal set up by Kevin Serna and finished by John Arias.

This victory provides Fluminense hope, now just three points from safety. Palmeiras, however, loses ground in the title race.

Atletico Goiaenense 1-1 Bahia

Atletico Goianiense, at the bottom of the table, faced Bahia, who are contending for a Copa Libertadores spot. Luiz Fernando gave Atletico Goianiense the lead in the 60th minute.

In a dramatic conclusion, Bahia equalized in the 98th minute through Jean Lucas, following Alix Vinicius’ red card. The late goal led to tensions, resulting in red cards for both Emiliano Rodriguez and Guilherme Romao.

Two Giants in Uncompromising Positions

Corinthians and Gremio, both on the brink of relegation, faced off in a crucial match. Gremio took the lead early with a goal from Rodrigo Ely (2′), but Corinthians equalized 25 minutes later through a Yuri Alberto penalty.

The match remained evenly contested, with Gremio regaining the lead in the 77th minute through Mathias Villasanti. However, Rodrigo Garro’s strike in the 88th minute secured a 2-2 draw.

Corinthians, since Ramón Díaz’s arrival as coach, have earned 7 points from a possible 9 and are now out of the relegation zone. Gremio remains just two points clear of relegation.

The Playbook is powered by data from Genius Sports and will focus on Brazil Serie A throughout the 2024 season.