RIO DE JANEIRO, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Luiz Araujo struck either side of halftime as Flamengo stayed top of Brazil's Serie A standings with a 2-1 home win over Gremio on Thursday.
Araujo netted in the 42nd and 67th minutes at the Maracana stadium before Edenilson reduced the deficit with a stoppage-time goal.
The result leaves Flamengo with 17 points from eight outings, ahead of second-placed Bahia on goal difference.
"It was a tough game but we played well as a team and that got us through it," Flamengo manager Tite told reporters after the match.
"It's a long season in a very balanced league. But consistency is the key. We have to be in the top four with 10 games remaining to have any chance of vying for the title. That's what we're working towards."
In other Brazilian Serie A fixtures on Thursday, Palmeiras cruised to a 2-0 to home defeat of Vasco da Gama, Bahia won 1-0 at home to Fortaleza, Sao Paulo held Internacional to a goalless home draw, Athletico Paranaense won 3-1 at home to Criciuma and Cruzeiro prevailed 2-1 at home to Cuiaba. ■
