Cruzeiro beat Flamengo to defend second place

Cruzeiro Belo Horizonte successfully defended their second place in the Brazilian Serie A with a 2-1 victory at Flamengo in Rio de Janeiro.

The top-of-the-table clash had its first half go by without goals, but ‘Fla’ broke the deadlock twelve minutes into the second half through Vandinho.

Only ten minutes later though, it was Guilherme to equalise and Romulo put Cruzeiro in the lead after another two minutes.

Thanks to this hard fought win, Cruzeiro continue to occupy the second spot at just two points from Gremio. Palmeiras follow at another two points.

Flamengo meanwhile have less to be happy about, as the Rio outfit drop to sixth place at seven points from the leaders.

Also on Sunday, Gremio beat season surprise Vitoria Salvador 2-0 with goals from William Magrao and Reinaldo.