Dejan Petkovic (Marcelo Regua/Ag. O Dia)

Flamengo defeated league leaders Palmeiras 2-0 with two goals from Serbian midfielder Dejan Petkovic on Sunday.

The Rio de Janeiro giants dominated their opponents, continuing their good run of results from the past few weeks.

Vagner Love, who recently rejoined Palmeiras missed a late penalty in a game that would best be forgotten for the side from the Palestra Italia.

Despite the defeat Palmeiras still lead the Brazilian championship with 54 points, followed by Atletico Mineiro with 50 points, and Internacional and Sao Paulo with 49 points.

Following them are Flamengo with 48 points, Goias with 46 points and Cruzeiro with 45 points.

Gremio got the better of Coritiba with a 2-0 win in Porto Alegre. Perea and Souza scored Gremio’s goals. Atletico Paranaense thrashed Santo Andre 3-0 in Curitiba, with goals from Baier, Sandro and Marcinho.

Corinthians have continued to disappoint and were beaten 2-0 by Sport Recife, while Cruzeiro edged Botafogo 1-0, Vitoria defeated Nautico 3-1 and Fluminense and Internacional tied 2-2.

On Saturday, A Diego Tardelli strike was the difference as Atletico Mineiro sneaked past defending champions Sao Paulo 1-0. Atletico Mineiro have returned to championship contention.

Gregory Sica, Goal