Hernane fires Flamengo to 3-2 win

Rio de Janeiro, Aug 12 (IANS)

Hernane of Flamengo celebrates a scored goal during a match between Fluminense and Flamengo as part of Brazilian Championship 2013 at Maracana Stadium on August 11, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/LatinContent/Getty Images)

Hernane scored two goals and Elias added another as Flamengo defeated champions Fluminense 3-2 in the Campeonato Brasileiro.

Elias cancelled out Rafael Sobis’ opener at the Maracana Sunday with a 25th-minute strike before Hernane netted in the 31st and 80th minute, reports Xinhua.

Sobis reduced the deficit in second-half injury time with a low shot from outside the area that slipped through Felipe’s hands.

“Victories like these are emblematic, especially when they are accompanied by consistent performances,” Flamengo coach Mano Menezes said after the match.

“It was a balanced performance. We are still vulnerable at set pieces and we have to improve in that area. But it was a result that makes us believe we can put together a good sequence against any opponent in any stadium.”

Flamengo are now 11th in the Brasileirao standings while Fluminense have dropped to 14th.

In other matches Sunday, Corinthians beat Vitoria 2-0; Cruzeiro drew 0-0 with Santos; Vasco da Gama defeated Coritiba 1-0 away; Gremio overcame hosts Bahia 3-0; Internacional drew 2-2 with Atletico Paranaense; Ponte Preta beat Criciuma 3-1 and Portuguesa defeated Sao Paulo 2-1.