体坛英语新闻：Palmeiras keep Brazilian title race open

RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Defending champions Palmeiras secured their fourth straight victory in Brazil's Serie A championship with a 2-1 win at Vasco da Gama on Wednesday.

Lucas Lima and Luiz Adriano were on target in each half as Palmeiras secured their 19th win from 31 matches this campaign. They remain five points behind leaders Flamengo, who have a game in hand with seven rounds remaining. Vasco fell to 12th with 11 wins, six draws and 14 defeats.

In Sao Paulo, Corinthians ended an eight-game winless run with a 3-2 home victory over Fortaleza.

Corinthians, who sacked head coach Fabio Carille on Sunday, are sixth in the standings, 13 points behind leaders Flamengo.

Santos maintained their hopes of a top-two finish with a 2-1 win at Avai. Jorge Sampaoli's team are currently third, 10 points off the pace.

In other matches on Wednesday, Atletico Mineiro won 2-0 at home to Goias and Chapecoense drew 1-1 at Bahia.