RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 7 -- Amidst a festive atmosphere at home against Atletico-MG in the 22nd round of the 2011 Brazilian Championship, Sao Paulo battled to 2-1 victory on Wednesday.
The match marked team captain Rogerio Ceni's 1000th career match with Sao Paulo.
Before entering the match, Ceni stated that he was much more focused on the match rather than his historic mark with the club. Nevertheless, the veteran goalie was not shy to register his contentment. He commemorated his achievement with an Olympic lap around the Morumbi stadium and received a plaque in homage.
Sao Paulo got off to a hot start, scoring in the first minute. Streaking down the center of the field, Lucas received a perfect pass between two Atletico-MG defenders and slipped the ball into the visiting team's goal.
Atletico-MG scored the equalizer in the 10th minute when Rever leaped above the Sao Paulo defense to head in a Daniel Carvalho corner kick.
Sao Paulo returned to the second half to score the game-winning goal in the 52nd minute when Dagoberto's long range shot from 33 meters sailed into the upper right corner of the Atletico-MG goal, catching keeper Renan Ribeiro off guard.
The win propels Sao Paulo back into first place with 41 points. However, the team's standing will depend on the remainder of the round's play on Wednesday and Thursday. In the next round of play the team will travel to face Gremio on September 11.
Atletico-MG remains in 17th place with 21 points and remains among the league's worst-four teams. In the next round of play the team will receive Bahia on September 11.