Rio de Janeiro, Oct 18 (IANS): Palmeiras rose to fourth spot in Brazil's Serie A standings with a 3-1 win over Avai.
Gabriel Jesus on Saturday gave the visitors the lead in the 17th minute before Jonathan Cristaldo and Dudu scored second-half goals at the Ressacada stadium in Florianopolis, Xinhua reported.
Andre Lima provided a rare moment of joy for Avai fans with a powerful left-footed finish in the 69th minute.
Eight-time champions Palmeiras now have 48 points, two ahead of fifth-placed Santos, who will meet Goias on Sunday.
Avai are 16th, only above the relegation places on goal difference.
The top four teams at the end of the season will earn a berth in next year's Copa Libertadores, South America's top club football tournament.