Ronaldo back on the field in Brazil
Ronaldo played his first official match in almost four months Sunday, and despite being overweight and slowed by various injuries, showed some of his old flashes in Corinthians 2-1 victory over Vitoria.
The victory moved Corinthians within three points of leaders Fluminense in the Brazilian standings. Fluminense, which managed only a 2-2 draw with Sao Paulo, has 37 points with Corinthians on 34.
The three-time FIFA player of the year was far from his best at Pacaembu stadium, but he showed some of his skills in setting up his teammates a couple of times before being substituted due to fatigue in the 63rd minute.
“It was good to be playing competitively again,” Ronaldo said. “Ill keep working to see if I can play in more matches from now on.”
Former Boca Juniors striker Iarley opened the scoring for Corinthians with a header in the 10th minute and midfielder Paulinho added to the lead from close range two minutes into first-half injury time. Vitoria, 14th in the table, got one back with a header by striker Kleber Pereira in the 83rd.
Ronaldo has hinted he may retire soon and said in a recent interview he would not make a big deal out of his retirement and would simply announce after a match: “Thats it.”
Deco, another Brazilian who has returned home after a long career in Europe, scored for Fluminense - his first goal since returning to Brazilian football.
In Argentina, new Boca Juniors coach Claudio Borghi can breathe a bit easier after Sundays 2-1 victory at home against Velez Sarsfield.
It was Bocas first victory of the Apertura season, spurred on by goals by Sebastian Battaglia in the 37th minute and Lucas Viatri in the 67th. Santiago Silva scored late for Velez Sarsfield.
Bocas fierce Buenos Aires rival River Plate stayed in first place despite a 0-0 draw against defending Clausura champion Argentinos Juniors - the club Borghi coached to the title in May.
It was Rivers first draw after three victories to start the season.
Ariel Ortega could have found a goal for River Plate in the 65th, but his shot from a counterattack went straight at goalkeeper Nicolas Navarro. Nicolas Blandi had Argentinos best chance six minutes later, but his shot went wide.
In Mexico, Cruz Azul and Santos are atop the standings with 15 points. Both picked up weekend victories; Cruz Azul defeated Tigres 3-2 and Santos won over Atlas 3-1. Santos leads Group 1 and Cruz Azul is atop Group 3.
Clausura champion Toluca pulled into a tie on top of Group 2 with nine points following Sundays 2-0 victory over Queretaro. Toluca started the season without a win in its first four games, but has rebounded neatly.
America also has nine points in Group 2 after a 1-1 draw on Sunday with Necaxa. America has not lost at home since August 2, 2009.
Monterrey has 12 points in Group 1 - just behind Santos - but let a victory slip away on Saturday when Chile international Humberto Suazo missed a late penalty and Monterrey settled for a 1-1 draw with Chipas.
