Rio de Janeiro, Jul 17 (IANS): Paraguay striker Lucas Barrios scored two second-half goals as Gremio defeated Ponte Preta 3-1 in Brazil's Serie A football championship in Porto Alegre on Sunday.

Midfielder Everton Soares was also on the scoresheet for the hosts while Ponte Preta's lone goal came courtesy of Gremio defender Rafael Thyere, who turned the ball into his own net, reports Xinhua news agency.

The result saw Gremio rise to second in the standings, eight points behind leaders Corinthians.

In Belo Horizonte, Cruzeiro earned a 1-1 draw at home against 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 against Atletico Goianiense, Chapecoense beat Sao Paulo 2-0, Santos held Vasco da Gama to a goalless draw, Avai drew 1-1 with Bahia and Fluminense beat Coritiba 2-1.