RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Palmeiras took the provisional lead in Brazil's Serie A on Saturday, scoring two first-half goals en route to a 2-0 win at Athletico Paranaense.
Attacking midfielder Mauricio opened the scoring from a tight angle and Joaquin Piquerez doubled the lead shortly after by curling a free kick around the Paranaense wall.
The visitors were reduced to 10 men just before halftime when Andreas Pereira was shown a second yellow card for a bad challenge.
The hosts controlled almost two thirds of the possession and had several chances to score but were unable to find a way past goalkeeper Carlos Miguel.
Palmeiras now has 66 points from 31 games and is two points clear of second-placed Flamengo, which has a game in hand. Paranaense is third, 11 points further back.
Elsewhere in Brazil's top flight on Saturday, Botafogo won 1-0 at home to Chapecoense, Atletico Mineiro prevailed 1-0 at Coritiba and Sao Paulo edged to a 1-0 home win over Vasco da Gama. ■
