RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Gerson scored late as Flamengo kept alive their Brazilian Serie A title hopes on Sunday with a 1-0 home victory over Vasco da Gama.
The former Roma and Marseille midfielder fired a first-time effort from 16 yards into the far corner after Vasco's defense failed to deal with Gabriel Barbosa's cross.
Vasco attacked relentlessly in the final 20 minutes but lacked incisiveness in front of goal as Flamengo survived to secure their 14th win of the campaign.
The Rio de Janeiro giants now have 50 points from 28 games and trail leaders Botafogo by nine points with 10 match days remaining. Vasco are 17th in the 20-team standings with 30 points.
In other Brazilian Serie A matches on Sunday, America Mineiro drew 1-1 at Corinthians, Palmeiras prevailed 2-0 at Coritiba, Bragantino edged to a 1-0 home victory over Fluminense, Internacional romped to a 7-1 home defeat of Santos, Cruzeiro won 1-0 at Atletico Mineiro and Botafogo were held to a 1-1 home draw by Athletico Paranaense.
