Argentina international Juan Pablo Sorin was sent off on his home debut as Brazilian champions Cruzeiro crashed to a 4-2 home defeat against Atletico Paranaense on Sunday.

Sorin, who has returned for a second stint at the club after playing for Barcelona and Paris St Germain, was dismissed for a second bookable offence after pushing Atletico striker Washington and giving away a penalty in the 45th minute.

"I didn't understand either of the yellow cards," he said. "It might have been a penalty but I shouldn't have been booked."

Cruzeiro were winning 1-0 with a Guilherme header and it proved to be the turning-point as Washington stepped up to stroke the penalty home for his 18th goal of the championship.

Atletico ran riot after halftime racing to a 4-1 lead with goals by Ivan, Jadson and another Washington penalty.

Fred pulled a late goal back for Cruzeiro, who are paying the price for dismantling the team which won the title in style last year.

Midfielder Augusto Recife was the only regular from last year's side in the starting line-up.

VASCO FIGHTBACK

Atletico stayed second in the table after extending their unbeaten run to 13 games. They trail Santos, who beat Atletico Mineiro 2-0, on the number of games won.

Sao Paulo and Corinthians produced one of the worst games of the championship as they drew 0-0 in their derby.

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"It was a tough game to play and a tough game to watch," said Sao Paulo midfielder Cesar Sampaio.

Serb midfielder Dejan Petkovic inspired a Vasco da Gama fightback as they drew 2-2 with Botafogo in a Rio de Janeiro derby.

Almir headed Botafogo in front and Elvis doubled their lead after a bizarre mistake by former Middlesbrough, Deportivo Coruna and Atletico Madrid midfielder Emerson, who mis-kicked a pass out of defence and sent the ball straight to the Botafogo midfielder.

But Vasco, masterminded by Petkovic in midfield, hit back with goals by Anderson and defender Henrique, who scored after being found by an astute Petkovic free kick.

Veteran midfielder Zinho, a survivor from Brazil's 1994 World Cup team, scored twice as Flamengo hammered Goias 4-0 to move away from the relegation zone.

Twice former champions Gremio remained in the danger zone after losing 2-0 to Sao Caetano in a stormy match.