RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Striker Pedro scored twice as Flamengo edged closer to its second consecutive Brazilian Serie A title with a 3-1 home win over Gremio on Wednesday.
Former Atletico Madrid winger Samuel Lino opened the scoring with a 20th-minute strike and Pedro netted twice in less than 20 minutes as the hosts took a three-goal advantage into halftime.
Francis Amuzu pulled a goal back for the visitors but Flamengo looked untroubled for most of the second half, cruising to its 23rd win of the campaign.
"We played the match we prepared for, imposing our tempo, starting strong, and not settling for 1-0," midfielder Jorginho said. "There's little left to achieve our objective. We are going to keep going strong on this path.
Flamengo leads the 20-team standings with 76 points, six ahead of second-placed Palmeiras, which has a game in hand.
Gremio remains locked in a relegation battle in 18th position with 37 points, behind 17th-placed Corinthians on goal difference. ■
