A late penalty from Ronaldo earned Corinthians a 1-0 home win over third-placed Cruzeiro yesterday to put them provisionally two points clear of Fluminense at the top of the Brazilian Campeonato.

The former Brazil striker converted from the spot three minutes from time to secure a hard-fought three points for his side just after Cruzeiro defender Gil had been sent off for a second bookable offence.

Fluminense will reclaim top spot if they beat second-bottom Goias today.

Elsewhere, Atletico Mineiro climbed to 14th and gave themselves breathing space above the relegation zone by defeating Flamengo 4-1.

Manoel Obina and Renan Oliveira set the hosts on their way with first-half goals and further strikes from Diego Tardelli and Oliveira again sealed the rout after the break before Marquinhos bagged a consolation.

Finally, seventh-placed Santos could manage only a goalless draw at home to Gremio despite the visitors playing the majority of the match with only ten men following the 18th-minute dismissal of Jonas Oliveira.