Flamengo beat Palmeiras to stay in title race

RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Defending champions Flamengo rose to third in the Brazilian Serie A standings on Thursday with a 2-0 home victory over fellow title challengers Palmeiras.

Luan Garcia gifted the hosts the lead with an own goal just before halftime and midfielder Pepe made it 2-0 in the 83rd minute by drilling home a first-time effort after a bungled clearance.

The result at Rio's Maracana stadium lifted Flamengo to within four points of leaders Internacional with a game in hand. Palmeiras are fifth, four points further back.

In Sao Paulo, former Manchester City and Brazil striker Jo was on the scoresheet as Corinthians secured a 3-0 win over Sport Recife. Mateus Vidal and Gustavo Mosquito were also on target for the hosts.

In other matches on Thursday, Ceara won 4-0 at Goias and Fortaleza secured a 2-0 home win over Santos.