Alexandre Pato won and converted a late, controversial penalty to give Corinthians a 2-1 win derby win over bitter rivals Sao Paulo.
The former Milan forward intercepted a back pass and went over as he was challenged by Sao Paulo goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni.
Sao Paulo protested furiously, delaying the match for seven minutes before Pato converted from the spot.
“It was a disgrace, both players went for the ball and he went in with his foot raised and could have broken my foot,” Sao Paulo captain Rogerio told reporters.
“It was 100 per cent a penalty, if he hadn’t stopped me, I would have scored into an empty goal,” retorted Pato.
PSG chief wants Beckham to stay
Paris St Germain chairman Nasser al-Khelaifi wants former England captain David Beckham to extend his contract with the French club for another year.
“We are going to talk with him about it. But frankly, we really want to keep him with us next season,” al-Khelaifi told French sports daily L’Equipe.
Beckham, 37, joined the wealthy French side as a free agent in January on a five-month deal and said he was considering a second season at the capital club.
“He’s fantastic, on and off the pitch. Signing David has been one of my best decisions,” al-Khelaifi said. “He has made an impact in this squad. Everybody loves him.”
Veh eyes Europe
Eintracht Frankfurt coach Armin Veh has set his sights on qualifying for Europe next season after his side beat Greuther Furth 3-2.
That win lifted the Eagles into joint fourth place, behind Schalke only on goal difference, and three points ahead of Mainz.
A top-six finish would be good enough for a place in the Europa League next season and Veh, who signed a new contract extension last week, has made that his side’s new objective.
“We have reached our goal for the season by moving onto 42 points and now we want to see if we can finish in the top six to qualify for Europe,” he said.
Kompany feeling strong for run-in
Vincent Kompany believes his extended absence with a calf injury was a legacy of rushing back too quickly from a similar problem last season.
The Manchester City skipper was out for two months before making a goalscoring return in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Newcastle.
“Last season, when we were going towards the title, I didn’t have enough time to do the real rehabilitation,” he said.
“Usually it takes three or four weeks. We took four or five days. Eventually it catches up with you.
“Now I have taken the right amount of time and I have put in the right amount of work as well. If anything I feel really strong now.”
Cambiasso handed one-match ban
Inter veteran Esteban Cambiasso has escaped a hefty suspension following his red card in his side’s 2-1 defeat Juventus.
Cambiasso was believed to be facing a stiff punishment after he was dismissed for a crude challenge on Juventus forward Sebastian Giovinco. The Argentine, who immediately apologised for the tackle, was yesterday banned for just one game.
The bookings picked up by Juventus defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli in the Inter win rule them out of the Serie A game against Pescara.
Meanwhile, Inter were fined €20,000 for racist chanting during Saturday’s game while club official Ivan Cordoba was fined €5,000 for his vocal protests after Juventus’ second goal.
Recovery is top priority for Vidic
Nemanja Vidic is refusing to accept regaining the league title this season would represent the perfect end to his injury misery.
The Manchester United skipper missed virtually 16 months with a succession of problems, including two lots of major knee surgery.
“A trophy doesn’t show I have recovered and I am back,” Vidic said.
“It is more important for me to be part of the team and to feel I am helping it.
“I am working hard. I am trying to be in the same form as I was before my injury.
“The fans can say whether I am or not. That is the challenge for me.
“Winning trophies is about the team, not the individual.”
Star names going nowhere – Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers insists Liverpool have no need or wish to sell striker Luis Suarez and confirmed skipper Steven Gerrard will be offered a new contract after the pair sparkled in the 2-1 win at Aston Villa.
Rodgers said: “It is very important we keep hold of Luis. He is a wonderful player.
“We don’t have to sell Luis. There is nothing like that. He is very happy and we don’t need to sell him for the money or anything like that.
“Our job is trying to build the group here and add to it.
“We’ve bought front and midfield players and we want to keep striving forward and there is no need to sell.”