Brasileirão Série B

Brasileirão Série B: three clubs within a point at the top

The Brasileirão Série B is Brazil's second division, contested by 20 clubs over 38 rounds. The top two are promoted straight to Série A, the teams from third to sixth go into the promotion play-offs, and the bottom four drop to Série C.

With five rounds to go, the race for automatic promotion could hardly be closer. Vila Nova lead on 61 points, a point ahead of Novorizontino and Juventude, who are both on 60. Novorizontino have the division's best attack with 59 goals, and Juventude its best defence, conceding just 21. Fortaleza (57), Criciúma (56) and Atlético Goianiense (53) complete the play-off places.

At the bottom, Ponte Preta (13 points, 73 goals conceded) and América Mineiro (17, five straight defeats) are in deep trouble, with Londrina (28) and Avaí (36) also in the relegation zone, five points behind Botafogo-SP in 16th. CRB's Mikael is the top scorer with 16 goals, one ahead of Novorizontino's Robson.