Brazil midfielder Paulinho and defender Paulo Andre struck either side of half-time as Corinthians defeated Santos 2-1 in the first leg of the Campeonato Paulista final.
Paulinho opened the scoring Sunday on the stroke of half-time at the Pacaembu Stadium by firing in a low shot from just outside the six-yard box after Danilo's sliding assist from a Romarinho free-kick, reports Xinhua.
Andre doubled the lead in the 74th minute with a first-time strike into the top corner after Santos' defence failed to clear an Emerson corner-kick. Durval scored a vital away goal for Santos with a searing 82nd-minute header after Felipe Anderson's in-swinging free-kick.
"Santos weren't able to neutralise us during the first half. Our movement was intense and they found it too difficult to mark us," Corinthians coach Tite said.
The deciding return leg will be played at Santos Vila Belmiro Stadium next Sunday.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app