Corinthians earned a 2:0 home win over Botafogo as they returned to winning ways in their first game after the mid-season break. An early pearler by Rodriguinho set the home side up well and they kept the opposition at arm's length for the most part. Botafogo pushed harder in the second half but a goal from Angel Romero sealed the home win just when it looked like their defence would crack.

Corinthians enjoyed the perfect start of the game and took a crucial lead after a couple of minutes played. Rodriguinho fired a superb rising strike from 25 yards out and the ball nestled into the right corner to leave the goalie hapless. It was just what the Timao needed, given their struggles of late, and they remained compact at the back and invited pressure for the remainder of the first half.

Botafogo were playing some decent football but were rarely posing serious challenge to the home goalie. Their best chance of the half by a mile came when a cross from the right reached Igor Rabello and he headed only just over the bar from ten yards out.

The remainder of the first half saw some half-chances for either side but nothing of genuine danger. Corinthians were occasionally stringing some good moves without really hitting the target and looked generally solid and comfortable as the break came.

It was a different affair in the second half ad Fog came all out in search of an equaliser. They almost got it when Leo Valencia connected sweetly with a volley down the right but Cassio superbly managed to parry the ball away and keep the hosts in the lead.

There was another real scare for the home side when a free-kick delivery into the box picked out Rabello and he headed past the goalie and into the back of the net this time. Yet the offside flag was raised for a very marginal offside and the Whites remained in the lead. They were still under pressure, however, and Ezequiel headed over the bar from a right-wing delivery. Botafogo continued to push for a goal but lacked a bit of cutting edge as the minutes ticked.

Instead, Corinthians managed to bag a second goal 15 minutes before the end as Romero was given a bit of room and placed a low finish into the corner. That did not stop the visitors from chasing a goal and Cassio produced some stunning saves in the closing stages to keep the clean sheet.

He spread to push over the bar a dangerous dipping shpt by Gilson. Then came an unbelievable point-blank range save from Kieza, with Rodrigo Pimpao seeing a follow-up shot blocked. The goalie was also alert in added time to tip over a curling shot by Kieza and also handled a dipping header by Pimpao.

Osmar Loss will be relieved with this win as his side were short of confidence and not really playing too much confidence. Yet they worked hard and defended with spirit to get an important result. Marcos Paqueta will be disappointed with the way his debut with the Fogao went. He saw some positives but will be expecting more cutting edge and nous from his side as they let themselves down at times.