RIO DE JANEIRO, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Paraguay international striker Lucas Barrios scored two second-half goals as Gremio defeated Ponte Preta 3-1 in Brazil's Serie A championship on Sunday.
Midfielder Everton was also on the scoresheet for the hosts while Ponte Preta's goal came courtesy of Gremio defender Rafael Thyere, who turned the ball into his own net.
The result in Porto Alegre saw Gremio rise to second in the standings, eight points behind leaders Corinthians.
In Belo Horizonte, Cruzeiro earned a 1-1 draw at home to Flamengo after second-half substitute Sassa cancelled out Everton's 54th-minute header at the Mineirao stadium.
In Sao Paulo, Dudu netted a brace as defending champions Palmeiras recovered from a goal down to beat Vitoria 4-2. Roger Guedes and Mayke were also on target for the hosts while Uillian Correia and David scored for Vitoria.
In other matches on Sunday, Atletico Mineiro won 2-1 at Atletico Goianiense, Chapecoense beat Sao Paulo 2-0, Santos held Vasco da Gama to a goalless draw, Avai drew 1-1 at Bahia and Fluminense beat Coritiba 2-1.
