Adriano scores in return to Brazilian league

SAO PAULO (AP) -- Striker Adriano scored on his return to Brazilian football, helping Flamengo beat Atletico Paranaense 2-1 in the Brazilian league on Sunday.

Adriano, playing in Brazil for the first time since moving to Inter Milan in 2001, found the net with a firm header from near the penalty spot less than a minute into the second half at Maracana stadium.

The 27-year-old striker signed with Flamengo earlier this month after being released by Inter Milan for failing to report to the Italian club following a World Cup qualifier in Brazil.

Adriano, who began his career with Flamengo, hadn't played an official match since March 11.

Flamengo's first score came in the 14th, an own goal by Atletico Paranaense defender Antonio Carlos who found his own net after trying to intercept a cross intended for Adriano.

Adriano is the latest high profile player to return to Brazilian football, following Ronaldo and Fred, both of whom played with the Flamengo striker at the 2006 World Cup.

Atletico's lone goal came from a penalty kick converted by striker Rafael Moura in the 69th.

At Vila Belmiro stadium, young midfielder Paulo Henrique scored two first-half goals to give Santos a 3-1 win over Corinthians.

Henrique opened the scoring with a shot from inside the area in the 16th and got his second in the 29th off a rebound from Corinthians goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

Corinthians scored four minutes into the second half with defender Renato finding the net after goalkeeper Fabio Costa failed to hold on to a long-range shot by midfielder Moraes.

Midfielder Madson rounded out the scoring from close range in the 90th.

Corinthians played without midfielder Lulinha from the 65th after a foul from behind on former Benfica left back Leo.

Ronaldo did not play because he was suspended for pinching and pulling the hair of a defender in a previous match. He also was nursing a right calf injury.

Corinthians coach Mano Menezes rested most of the team's regular starters ahead of the second leg of the Brazilian Cup semifinal against Vasco on Wednesday in Sao Paulo. The teams drew 2-2 at Maracana last week.

Santos hadn't beaten Corinthians in three matches. Corinthians defeated Santos to win the traditional Sao Paulo state championship title earlier this year.

Former Lyon striker Fred scored a goal just nine minutes into the match to help Fluminense draw with Nautico 1-1 in Recife. Nautico equalized with a penalty kick four minutes into second-half injury time.

The result means Fluminense has failed to win in five matches and added even more pressure on the team coached by former Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira. Earlier in the week a group of fans invaded the team's practice to protest and midfielder Diguinho was punched in the stomach by a supporter.

Sao Paulo routed Cruzeiro 3-0 at Morumbi stadium thanks to goals by Washington, Borges and Dagoberto. The teams had met on Wednesday in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals, with Cruzeiro winning 2-1 at Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte. The return match is on June 17.

On Saturday, Botafogo erased a two-goal, first-half deficit to draw with visiting Sport 2-2 at Engenhao stadium in Rio de Janeiro, while Goias extended Coritiba's winless streak to four matches with a 3-1 win, with striker Felipe scoring twice. Former Wolfsburg striker Marcelinho Paraiba scored Coritiba's lone goal and is the tournament's leading scorer with four.

Atletico Mineiro was held by newcomer Santo Andre to a 0-0 draw at Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte.