RIO DE JANEIRO, April 1 - Sao Paulo lost their
first game this year as they were beaten 2-1 by Portuguesa on
Thursday, forcing them to put their Paulista championship
celebrations on hold.
Sao Paulo, who have also played three matches in the
Libertadores Cup without defeat, had enjoyed a 15-match unbeaten
run and needed to win Thursday's match to clinch the title with
three games to spare.
Instead, two goals by Portuguesa striker Washington ended
the run to the frustration of a capacity crowd at the Pacaembu
stadium. Former Parma defender Junior replied for Sao Paulo.
The team coached by former goalkeeper Emerson Leao are still
nine points ahead of Corinthians and Santos with three games
remaining.
Corinthians, the only team who can catch Sao Paulo, won 2-0
at Guarani with two goals from striker Hugo.
Santos, who would still lose out to Sao Paulo on games won
even if they caught them on points, were held 2-2 by Uniao Sao
Joao.