RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- Guillermo Varela and Pedro scored in each half as Flamengo extended its lead at the top of Brazil's Serie A with a 2-1 home victory over Bragantino on Sunday.
Uruguayan defender Varela put the hosts ahead by volleying in from the edge of the six-yard box after Jorge Carrascal's cross.
Pedro doubled the lead by latching onto Jorginho's delivery from a corner with a first-time finish at the far post.
The visitors pulled a goal back in the 86th minute when Bruno Henrique inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, but Flamengo held on for its 18th win of the campaign.
The Rio de Janeiro side now has a three-point lead over second-placed Palmeiras with 10 matchdays remaining while Bragantino is 10th, 24 points off the pace.
Elsewhere in Brazil's top flight on Sunday, Athletico Paranaense won 2-1 at home to Bahia, Cruzeiro prevailed 3-1 at Vitoria, Fluminense secured a 3-1 win at Corinthains, and Gremio was held to a goalless home draw by Palmeiras. ■
