Marilia closes gap to leaders in Serie B

Leaders Criciuma lost on the road to Paulista, 3-1, on Tuesday, and saw its advantage at the top of the standings shrink from seven to four points in the Brazilian Serie B soccer league. Roberto Santos scored all three goals for the locals, helping the team reach 19 points to climb out of the relegation zone, to 15th place.

Meanwhile, Marilia defeated Ipatinga at home, 2-1, thanks to a goal in the final minutes. The team from the state of Sao Paulo reached 32 points, four behind Criciuma's 36. Third place Coritiba went to Sao Paulo and lost to Portuguesa, 3-1. Fourth place Brasiliense also lost, on the road to Santa Cruz, 1-0.

In other results, Ponte Preta had a great 3-2 win on the road over Avai. Gremio Barueri went to Fortaleza and lost to Ceara, 2-1. The other team from the city, Fortaleza, went to Sao Caetano and lost 1-0. Gama hosted Santo Andre but could not go beyond a 1-1 draw. CRB had a very entertaining 4-3 win at home over Vitoria. Remo defeated Ituano at home, 2-0, to climb out of last place. Ituano is now in last.