In a pretty much expected result, Internacional beat Goiás 1-0 at home on Sunday night. Praxedes scored the only goal of the game that could prove to be crucial in the title race. Inter now sits three points behind first place São Paulo, and have now gone five games without tasting defeat, winning all as well.
Both sides were evenly matched at the start of the game.
They both had dangerous plays at both end of the pitch but it was the hosts that drew first blood with a goal in the 43rd minute when Rodinei swung in a cross from a corner kick that gave Praxedes a good opportunity to head his side in the lead just before the break.
Goiás decided to go wide and rely more on crosses. Esmeraldino almost got to the end of one of Shayllon’s crosses but failed to hit the target. Rafael Moura also had a goal cancelled for Goiás in the first half. He struck in a deflected ball after a save from Lomba but he was flagged for slightly being offside.
Goiás took charge in the second half, had control of the game, kept more of the ball and create chances better than their first 45 minutes. However, they lacked the finishing touch in front of goal.
Marcelo Lomba almost conceded an equaliser from a mistake but Rodrigo Moledo was able to spare his side’s blushes and keep them in the lead. The visitors tried all they could, but the game ended up finishing 1-0 in the favor of Inter.
Goiás stays in the relegation battle with the loss, six points from safety. They go against Atletico-Go on Wednesday night and would fancy their chances of getting a result.
Inter will take on Fortaleza next Sunday in Beira-Rio. They are three points behind league leaders, and will be looking to keep the momentum as they go head-to-head with São Paulo for the championship crown just after that game.
