Michael Oliveira keeps Flamengo in title race

RIO DE JANEIRO: Michael Oliveira scored twice as Flamengo maintained their hopes of clinching a third straight Brazilian Serie A title with a 2-0 home win over Atletico Goianiense on Friday.

Flamengo took the lead just before halftime when Michael swept home a first-time finish after Mauricio Isla's cut-back from the right byline.

Michael doubled the lead in the 74th minute, finishing a slick one-two with Gabriel Barbosa by lifting a deft shot over goalkeeper Fernando Miguel.

The result at the Maracana stadium lifted Flamengo to second in the 20-team standings with 53 points from 28 matches, nine points behind Atletico Mineiro but with a game in hand.

Goianiense dropped to 11th with 37 points from 29 outings and now appear out of contention for a Copa Libertadores qualifying berth. Agencies

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