Daboberto demanding more of the same

Sao Paulo forward Dagoberto has called on his team-mates to continue playing football befitting the Campeonato Brasileiro leaders when they take on Portuguesa on Saturday.

Sao Paulo currently lead the way heading into the 34th round of fixtures and appear a good bet to secure their third title on the trot.

But with Palmeiras just a point behind and Gremio a further point adrift, Dagoberto knows there is no room for complacency.

"I have been hearing for the last two months that this weekend's clash is decisive," he said. "We are playing the kind of football the leaders should play and we have to maintain that level of performance while also respecting Portuguesa."

Palmeiras and Gremio meet on Sunday with Sao Paulo no doubt hoping for a draw.

After being eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana, Palmeiras are now focusing all their attention on pipping arch-rivals Sao Paulo to the title.

"I like this sequence of matches. We are going to face Gremio and Flamengo, who also need to win," said Palmeiras' former Brazil and Real Madrid boss Wanderley Luxemburgo. We are going to be exposed in every sense. It is great to play like this while still having a chance to win the title."

Gremio striker Reinaldo is also excited at the clash.

"This is a very important and hard game at our rival's home," he said. "I am sure that the stadium will be packed. They are very clever and we have to be careful from the first minute."

Cruzeiro are fourth, two points behind Gremio and still in with a shout. Midfielder Marquinho Parana is hoping a win over Fluminense will kick-start their run to the title.

"There are five games to go until the end of the tournament and three of are them at home," he said. "We always perform well at the Mineirao and we have to win these three games and look for at least one draw and one victory away from home to keep our dream alive."

Flamengo take on Botafogo at the Maracana with coach Caio Junior refusing to admit defeat in their title challenge, even though they are five points behind Sao Paulo.

"We still have a chance and we have to believe in that. We hope the fans also believe in us," he said.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Vasco da Gama will hope to beat Santos to move away from the relegation zone.

Figueirense meet Atletico Paranaense, Coritiba welcome Nautico, Sport take on Goias, Internacional face Ipatinga and Vitoria play Atletico Mineiro.