Fluminense moved top of the Brazilian Campeonato standings on Thursday night with a 3-1 home win over Santos.
Wellington Nem twice put the hosts ahead in the first half, with Andre on target in between for the visitors, before Samuel Goncalves put the result beyond doubt with a third goal 12 minutes from time.
The victory lifted Fluminense two points clear of Atletico Mineiro, albeit having played a game more. Atletico were held to a goalless draw at Bahia on Wednesday.
Thursday's other game also finished in a 3-1 home triumph - for Palmeiras, against Sport Recife.
The match followed a similar pattern, too, with Rivaldo briefly giving the visitors hope by grabbing a 63rd-minute equaliser to cancel out Carlos Correa's opener, but Tiago Real swiftly restored Palmeiras' advantage before Manuel De Brito Filho made the points safe midway through the second half.
It was only a fifth win in 22 matches for Palmeiras, and saw them climb a point above their opponents into 17th spot.
