Brasileirão Série A
Coritiba Hold Off Late Corinthians Rally to Win 2-1 in Curitiba
Pedro Rocha and Paulo Roberto struck for the hosts before Raniele's injury-time consolation
Coritiba rode an early lead and a brace from Joao Pedro Chermont assists to a 2-1 victory over visiting Corinthians on Sunday night at Estádio Major Antônio Couto Pereira, a result that kept the home side moving up the Série A table while leaving the visitors frustrated once more. The hosts started brightly and took the lead in the 40th minute when Pedro Rocha finished off a precise cross from Joao Pedro Chermont to make it 1-0 heading into the break. The atmosphere in Curitiba shifted after the restart, with Corinthians pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Their pressure told just before the hour mark, but Coritiba responded quickly, restoring their two-goal cushion in the 75th minute. Paulo Roberto slotted home another Chermont supply to stretch the deficit and silence the travelling contingent. The visitors finally found hope in the 93rd minute when Raniele pulled one back with a clever finish, setting up a tense ending that nearly produced a dramatic leveller. Both sides had chances in stoppage time, but the home defence held firm to secure all three points. The match was booked with four yellow cards, with Thiago Santos and Tissi receiving cautions for Coritiba alongside Breno Bidon and M. Pereira for Corinthians. Coritiba boss Seabra Fernando stuck with a 4-2-3-1 shape, while Corinthians coach Fernando Diniz opted for a 4-4-2, but neither tactical approach managed to prevent the hosts from claiming the points. Referee Anderson Daronco kept tight control throughout the contest, ensuring the game flowed despite several late challenges. For Coritiba, the win offered a welcome boost as they look to climb further away from the relegation zone. Corinthians, meanwhile, will rue the missed opportunity to close the gap on the playoff spots, particularly after dominating large periods of the second half. Their next fixtures will test their resolve, especially given how costly individual moments proved. Coritiba can build momentum from this showing, particularly if Chermont continues to pull the strings from wide areas. The result adds another twist to an already compelling Série A campaign.