Lucas, Rene shines helping Flamengo get past Corinthians on Friday

A second-half double from Lucas Paqueta and a last-minute goal from Rene gave Flamengo a 3-0 win over Corinthians on Friday and lifted the Rio de Janeiro team into joint second-place in Brazil's Serie A table.

Midfielder Paqueta got both his goals from corners, the first with a header after 59 minutes and the second when he pounced on a loose ball six minutes later.

Rene got a third for the visitors in the last minute of the match when he finished off a quick counter-attack.

The result puts the Rio de Janeiro side right back into the title race, just one point behind joint leaders Palmeiras and Internacional and equal with Sao Paulo.

Inter lost 2-1 to Sport earlier on Friday, while Palmeiras and Sao Paulo meet on Saturday in a city derby.

Corinthians are 17 points behind Flamengo in ninth place.

(With inputs from agencies.)