RIO DE JANEIRO, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Bruno Henrique scored either side of halftime as leaders Flamengo secured a 4-2 away win over 10-man Atletico Mineiro in Brazil's Serie A championship on Wednesday.
Henrique opened the scoring at Arena MRV in Belo Horizonte by volleying in at the far post after Luiz Araujo's cross.
Carlinhos doubled the lead from close-range before Ayrton Lucas scored a contender for goal of the season with a superb solo run and finish into the far corner.
Former Brazil international forward Hulk reduced the deficit from the penalty spot, but the hosts' chances of a revival all but evaporated when Romulo Pereira was sent off for a second yellow card just after the hour.
Henrique extended Flamengo's lead following Pedro's deft through ball before Hulk combined with Gustavo Scarpa to strike again in the 90th minute.
The result leaves Flamengo three points clear of second-placed Botafogo, while Atletico are 11th in the 20-team standings, 12 points further back.
In other Brazilian Serie A fixtures on Wednesday, Botafogo won 2-1 at Cuiaba, Criciuma clinched a 1-0 home win over Cruzeiro, Vasco da Gama won 2-0 at home to Fortaleza, Sao Paulo prevailed 2-1 at Athletico Paranaense and Bragantino won 3-1 at home to Atletico Goianiense. ■
