Internacional face drop to Brazilian Serie B

Internacional's hopes of avoiding relegation to Brazil's Serie B football championship suffered a blow when they stumbled to a 0-1 loss to Corinthians.

Marlone's 56th-minute goal at Corinthians Arena on Monday lifted the reigning champions to seventh in the 20-team standings while Internacional slipped to the 17th spot in the Serie A, reports Xinhua.

With just two fixtures remaining, Corinthians can still secure a top-six finish which would earn them a spot in next year's Copa Libertadores -- the premier South American club football competition.

Palmeiras lead the standings with 74 points, six points ahead of second-placed Santos. A draw against Chapecoense on Sunday would give the Sao Paulo club their ninth Serie A title and first since 1994.

--IANS

pur/mr