Rio de janeiro: Bruno Henrique scored twice as Flamengo rose to the top of Brazil’s Serie A on Saturday with a 3-0 home win over Sport Recife. Henrique put the hosts ahead in the 51st minute by latching onto Samuel Lino’s pass and blasting a shot past goalkeeper Gabriel. Flamengo doubled the lead on the hour when Gabriel palmed away Danilo’s header only for Henrique to bundle in the rebound. Uruguay international playmaker Giorgian de Arrascaeta then made it 3-0, sending a dipping 25-yard free kick into the top-right corner.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Flamengo manager Filipe Luis commented, “Maybe we weren’t at our best in the first half but in the second we really clicked. It’s the type of victory that gives us confidence and makes us stronger.” The result at the Maracana Stadium leaves Flamengo two points clear of second-placed Palmeiras, which has a game in hand. Sport remains last in the 20-team standings with just two wins from 30 games.

In other Brazilian top-flight fixtures on Saturday, reigning champions Botafogo drew 0-0 at Mirassol, Cruzeiro eased to a 3-1 home victory over Vitoria, and Fortaleza drew 1-1 at Santos.