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Published: Monday May 25, 2009 MYT 12:22:00 PM

Santos beat Fluminense 4-1 in a day marked by fan violence

Two injured 160 detained

SAO PAULO: Colombian midfielder Mauricio Molina converted a first-half free kick to send Santos on its way to a 4-1 win over Fluminense at Maracana stadium for its first win in this year's Brazilian league Sunday, a day marked by fan violence that left dozens injured and nearly 160 detained.

About 30 people sustained minor injuries as fans used bricks, stones and pieces of wood in a brief confrontation before the scoreless draw between Palmeiras and defending champion Sao Paulo.

Authorities said the fight might have been organized ahead of time by fans in online communities.

About 400 fans participated in the violence, but most of those detained were released after brief interrogations.

In Rio de Janeiro, Fluminense opened the scoring at Maracana in the ninth minute with a goal from inside the area by defender Mariano.

Molina found the equalizer with a well-struck free kick in the 37th minute, firing a low left-footed shot past the wall to beat a diving Fluminense goalkeeper Fernando Henrique.

Midfielder Madson gave Santos the lead six minutes into the second half after dribbling past Fernando Henrique before striking the net, and former America striker Kleber Pereira added two more for the 2004 Brazilian champion from close range in breakaways in the 84th and 86th.

Santos had drawn its first two matches. The loss extended Fluminense's winless streak to four matches.

Coached by Carlos Alberto Parreira, the 1984 champion was coming off an elimination to Corinthians in the quarterfinals of the Brazilian Cup on Wednesday.

After the fan confrontation outside Palestra Italia stadium, Palmeiras and Sao Paulo failed to capitalize on their scoring opportunities.

Palmeiras coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo and his players loudly complained that a penalty was not awarded by the referee after midfielder Diego Souza was brought down inside the area in the 53rd minute.

Palmeiras played a man down from the 76th minute after defender Mauricio Ramos was shown his second yellow card, and Sao Paulo midfielder Richarlyson was sent off in injury time for a hard foul from behind.

Palmeiras World Cup veteran goalkeeper Marcos made key saves on Sunday, a day after extending his contract with the four-time Brazilian champion for five years.

The 35-year-old Marcos has been with Palmeiras since 1992.

The result kept Sao Paulo winless in the competition and with only one point from three matches.

Both teams did not rest regular starters despite upcoming matches in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores, Latin America's most important club competition.

Sao Paulo faces Brazilian rival Cruzeiro on Wednesday and Palmeiras hosts Uruguay's Nacional on Thursday.

In other results Sunday, Gremio defeated Botafogo 2-0 at Olimpico stadium in the debut of coach Paulo Autuori, while Josiel scored Flamengo's first two goals in this year's competition in a 2-1 win at Santo Andre.

Former Hertha Berlin and Wolfsburg playmaker Marcelinho Paraiba scored a second-half goal in Coritiba's 2-2 draw against Avai in Florianopolis.

Also, Atletico Mineiro beat Sport 3-2 in Recife, and Nautico moved to second place in the 20-team standings by rallying to beat Atletico Paranaense 3-2 in Curitiba after erasing a 2-0 deficit.

Nautico has two points behind leader Internacional, which on Saturday beat Goias 1-0 at Serra Dourada stadium in Goiania to win its third in a row and reach nine points in three matches.

Young striker Taison scored the winner in the 77th. Inter is the only team to win the first three matches.

Also Saturday, Corinthians picked up its first win in this year's championship by beating newcomer Barueri 2-1 at Pacaembu stadium in Sao Paulo.

Corinthians played without Ronaldo, who is nursing a minor right leg muscle injury.

The Brazil striker is likely to miss the team's Brazilian Cup semifinal against Vasco on Wednesday because of the injury.

Cruzeiro defeated Vitoria 2-0 at Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte behind a pair of first-half goals by striker Kleber.

In the second division, four-time Brazilian champion Vasco defeated Atletico Goianiense 3-0 at Sao Januario stadium in Rio de Janeiro. - AP


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