Internacional beats Coritiba 1-0 with late penalty to leave relegation zone

Internacional defeated Coritiba 1-0 at Arena Beira Rio in Porto Alegre on Tuesday, leaving the Brasileirao relegation zone for the moment. Alerrandro converted a stoppage-time penalty after Rodrigo Moledo fouled Juninho, securing a vital win for Eduardo Baptista’s side.

The victory took Internacional to 38 points, pushing Gremio into the relegation zone, though Gremio and Corinthians still had matches to play in round 34. Coritiba remained in a comfortable position with 42 points, far from the relegation battle.

“The attacker had not scored since May 16, in the 4-1 win over Vasco.”

Internacional struggled offensively without injured playmaker Alan Patrick and produced little throughout the match. Coritiba focused on defending and counterattacking but lacked composure to finish its chances.

Breno Lopes appeared to score for Coritiba, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Matheus Bahia headed for Internacional late on, while Pedro Morisco made a good save to keep the score level before the winner.

Both teams now pause for the FIFA international break and return in two weeks. Coritiba hosts Santos at Couto Pereira on Wednesday the 18th at 7:30 p.m., while Internacional faces Vasco at Sao Januario on Thursday the 19th.