Ze Roberto gives Santos fifth win in five games

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) -- Former Bayern Munich and Brazil midfielder Ze Roberto headed a second half winner to give Santos their fifth straight victory of the Brazilian season on Sunday.

Ze Roberto popped up unmarked at the far post to head in Kleber's cross in the 75th minute as they beat Guaratingueta 1-0 in the Paulista championship, the largest of the regional tournaments which kick off the Brazilian season.

Santos, under former Real Madrid and Brazil coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo, lead the tournament with 15 points from 5 games, an ideal springboard for their campaign in the South American Libertadores Cup which starts on Wednesday.

Santos, hoping to win the Libertadores for the first time since the Pele-inspired team in 1963, travel to Bolivia to face Blooming in a preliminary round tie.

Corinthians, who began by winning their first three games, crashed to a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Ituano.

Veteran striker Sorato pounced on a defensive mix-up to put Ituano ahead in the sixth minute and the same player was also on hand to take advantage of another blunder in first-half injury time.

Christian pulled one back for Emerson Leao's team in the second half.

Palmeiras also lost their 100 percent record as they drew 1-1 at home with lowly Gremio Barueri.

The visitors took a shock lead in the third minute when defender Anderson Marques scored with a long-range free kick and debutant Cristiano scrambled an equaliser in the 19th minute.

Brazilian champions Sao Paulo won 2-0 at Rio Claro with goals in the first half hour from Jadilson and Alex Silva and have 10 points from four games.

Fluminense crashed to a shock 3-2 defeat at Volta Redonda in the Carioca (Rio de Janeiro state) championship while Cruzeiro cruised to a 4-0 win over Guarani de Divinopolis in the Mineiro (Minas Gerais) tournament.

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