RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Flamengo scored three first-half goals en route to a 3-2 home win over leader Palmeiras in Brazil's Serie A on Sunday.
Giorgian de Arrascaeta opened the scoring at the Maracana with a low finish from the edge of the 18-yard box following Pedro's through ball.
The visitors equalized through former Barcelona forward Vitor Roque, who latched onto Khellven's diagonal cross with a header at the far post.
Italy international midfielder Jorginho restored the hosts' lead from the penalty spot before Pedro held off challenges from two defenders to finish calmly from 18 yards.
Gustavo Gomez pulled a goal back in stoppage time with an acrobatic finish from inside the six-yard box after Ramon Sosa's attempt was parried away by goalkeeper Agustin Rossi.
"It was a complete performance from our team, with a positive attitude from the first minute of the game," Flamengo manager Filipe Luis told a post-match news conference.
"Pedro was fundamental to our strategy because of his ability to hold up play and also to finish. It was a sublime performance from him with artistic flair. He was perfect in every aspect of the game."
The result leaves Flamengo level with Palmeiras on 61 points but behind in the standings due to fewer wins.
In other Brazilian Serie A fixtures on Sunday, Botafogo won 2-0 at Ceara, hosts Mirassol routed Sao Paulo 3-0, Internacional prevailed 2-0 at home to Sport and Bahia romped to a 4-0 home victory over Gremio. ■
