Corinthians ease relegation fears

Defending champions Corinthians ended a three-game winless streak with a 1-0 victory over relegation-threatened Vasco da Gama in Brazil's Serie A championship.

Mateus Vital on Saturday broke the deadlock by heading in a Fagner cross just after halftime at Corinthians Arena and the hosts defended resolutely thereafter to secure their 11th win of the campaign, reports Xinhua news agency.

The result meant Corinthians are now six points clear of the relegation zone with three rounds remaining.

Vasco, meanwhile, are only two points ahead of 17th placed Chapecoense. The last four sides in the 20-team standings at the end of the season will drop to Serie B next year.