RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Ayrton Lucas and Pedro scored first-half goals as Flamengo kept their Brazilian Serie A title hopes alive on Thursday with a 2-0 victory at Cruzeiro.
Ayrton put the hosts ahead with a close-range finish after Luciano Castan failed to clear a Bruno Henrique cross.
Former Fiorentina striker Pedro doubled the advantage by converting a penalty on the stroke of halftime after Hueglo Neris clattered into Wesley Franca on the edge of the right byline.
The result marked a winning debut in Flamengo's dugout for former Brazil manager Tite, who took charge of the Rio de Janeiro giants last week following the dismissal of Argentine Jorge Sampaoli.
Flamengo now has 47 points from 27 games and trails leader Botafogo by 11 points. Cruzeiro is 15th in the 20-team standings with 31 points.
In other fixtures on Thursday, Atletico Mineiro won 2-0 at Palmeiras, Bragantino prevailed 3-1 at Santos, and Corinthians drew 3-3 at Fluminense. ■
