Adriano scored one goal and set up the other as Flamengo rose to second in the Brazilian championship with a 2-0 win at Nautico on Sunday.
Flamengo, who have won six of their last seven matches, are two points behind leaders and title holders Sao Paulo, who beat Vitoria 2-0 on Saturday, with three matches to go.
Former Inter Milan striker Adriano put through fullback Leo Moura whose shot was parried by the Nautico keeper allowing Serbian Dejan Petkovic to net the rebound and put Flamengo in front after 17 minutes in the northeastern city of Recife.
Adriano, one of Brazil’s domestically based players who missed the 1-0 friendly win over England in Doha so they could remain with their clubs for the championship run-in, added the second in first half stoppage. He is now the championship’s leading scorer with 19.
Adriano Goal