Corinthians flex their muscle in Brazilian Serie A

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Corinthians moved a point clear at the top of the Brazilian Serie A standings on Wednesday after romping to a 5-2 victory over Vasco da Gama.

Marquinhos Gabriel and Jo gave Corinthians an early 2-0 lead at Vasco's Sao Januario stadium before Luis Fabiano drew the hosts level with two goals in as many minutes.

Maycon restored the lead for Corinthians and substitute Clayton put the result beyond doubt with a brace in the last 10 minutes.

The result left Corinthians with 13 points from five matches, a point ahead of Coritiba, who beat Palmeiras 1-0 on Wednesday.

In other matches, Sport Recife defeated Flamengo 2-0, Santos overcame Botafogo 1-0 and Atletico Mineiro won 1-0 at home to Avai.