RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- Gremio kept their Brazilian Serie A title hopes alive on Saturday with a 2-0 home victory over Parana.
Douglas dos Santos converted from the penalty spot in the 54th minute at Arena do Gremio before Juninho Capixaba doubled the hosts' lead with a 63rd-minute strike.
Gremio moved up to fifth in the 20-team standings with 44 points from 25 matches, five points behind leaders Internacional. Parana remained last with 16 points.
In Rio de Janeiro, Flamengo continued their lackluster recent form with a 1-1 draw against local rivals Vasco da Gama.
Andres Rios put Vasco ahead just before the half-hour mark and the hosts looked headed for victory when Diego was shown a second yellow card for a bad tackle in the 58th minute.
But Flamengo equalized against the run of play through a Luiz Gustavo own goal to salvage a point and remain fourth in the standings.
In Saturday's only other match, Ceara overcame Vitoria 2-0 at home thanks to goals either side of halftime from Calyson and Samuel Britto.
