Brazilian Serie A wrap: Vasco claim top spot

Vasco da Gama took the lead in Brazil’s Serie A following a 4-0 victory over Gremio on Saturday, as Sao Paulo and Goianiense also won.

First-half goals from Elton and Diego Souza set Vasco on course for victory at Estadio Sao Januario.

Eder Luis made it 3-0 six minutes into the second half, and Fagner netted just past the hour mark to complete the scoring for the home side.

Vasco move top by one point ahead of Sao Paulo, who also won 4-0 at home in their match against Ceara.

The visitors held Sao Paulo goalless for much of the first half at Estadio Morumbi and appeared set to reach the break with a clean sheet intact.

But first Juan and then Ivan Piris breached the Ceara defence in the last three minutes of the half, making it 2-0 to Sao Paulo.

Casemiro claimed a third on 66 minutes, with veteran Rivaldo wrapping up the scoring 18 minutes from time.

Sao Paulo are second, one point ahead of Corinthians, who can reclaim first place if they defeat Santos on Sunday.

In the other match on Saturday, Goianiense defeated bottom side Atletico Mineiro 1-0, with Vitor Junior scoring the only goal of the match a minute past the hour mark at Estadio Serra Dourada.

Goianiense are up to eighth in the table, while Atletico languish in last place, already six points from safety and with just three wins to show for 23 matches played.