RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- Left-back Dodo Ribeiro struck a first-half winner as reigning champions Atletico Mineiro ended a three-game winless run with a 1-0 home victory over Juventude in Brazil's Serie A championship on Thursday.
The 30-year-old put the hosts ahead by thumping in a first-time effort from a tight angle following Jair's headed pass.
Atletico took control of the match thereafter to ease to their 13th win of the campaign. The Belo Horizonte giants are now seventh in the 20-team standings, 23 points behind leaders Palmeiras with four match days remaining.
Juventude are last with 21 points and are already certain to be relegated next year.
In other Brazilian Serie A fixtures on Thursday, Sao Paulo won 2-1 at home to Atletico Goianiense, Fortaleza secured a 3-1 home victory over Coritiba and Cuiaba prevailed 1-0 at home to Avai. ■
