Brazilian Serie A wrap: Flamengo, Palmeiras close in

Flamengo closed to within a point of Brazilian Serie A leaders Corinthians with a 2-0 win over Gremio on Saturday, while Palmeiras also won.

Thiago Neves struck 28 minutes into the match to give hosts Flamengo the lead at Estadio Olimpico Joao Havelange.

And former Barcelona and AC Milan man Ronaldinho netted with 16 minutes remaining to secure victory.

Flamengo are just one point back from Corinthians, but have played two matches more than the league leaders.

Gremio are 14th, two points above and just three places clear of the relegation zone.

Elsewhere, Palmeiras held off Atletico Mineiro to win 3-2 at home.

Marcos Assuncao opened the scoring for the home side after 14 minutes at Estadio Dr. Oswaldo Teixeira Duarte.

The lead lasted less than 60 seconds before Magno Alves levelled for the visitors.

A goal from Luan put Palmeiras back in front just after the hour mark and Patrik then doubled the advantage with 12 minutes to go.

Wesley pulled one back for Atletico on 79 minutes, but they proved unable to find a way past the home side in the closing exchanges.

The win sees fourth-placed Palmeiras draw level on points with Sao Paulo, who are third.

Atletico are down in 14th, with four wins from 13 matches played so far this season.

Botafogo climbed to fifth with a 1-0 win in their match away to Cruzeiro.

Uruguayan Sebastian Abreu struck the winner 10 minutes into the second half at Estadio Joaquim Henrique Nogueira.