Corinthians beat Palmeiras, extend lead in Brazil Serie A

Rio de Janeiro Nov 6 (IANS) Corinthians extended their lead at the top of Brazil s Serie A standings with a 3-2 victory over fellow title contenders Palmeiras.

Angel Romero and Fabian Balbuena gave the hosts a 2-0 advantage with strikes from close range on Sunday but Palmeiras narrowed the margin when Colombian defender Yerry Mina met a Dudu cross with a glancing header reports Xinhua news agency.

Former Manchester City striker Jo netted his team s third goal from the penalty spot before Palmeiras midfielder Moises fired into the top corner after a set piece.

The result gave Corinthians a six-point buffer at the top of the 20-team standings while Palmeiras dropped to fourth eight points off the pace.

In other matches on Sunday Cruzeiro beat Atletico Paranaense 1-0 Gremio overcame Flamengo 1-0 Bahia outclassed Ponte Preta 2-0 Sport drew 1-1 at Chapecoense and Vitoria held Vasco da Gama to a 1-1 draw here.

--IANS
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