Sao Paulo, Aug 6 (IANS): Colombian forward Santiago Trellez struck late as Sao Paulo returned to the top of Brazil's Serie A standings for the first time in three years with a 2-1 victory over Vasco da Gama.

Trellez broke the deadlock nine minutes from time with a looping header into the top corner after Everton's cross from the left on Sunday, reports Xinhua news agency.

Joao Rojas had given the hosts an early lead by bundling in from close range following a failed clearance. Yago Pikachu equalized by calmly slotting in after a Giovanni Augusto through ball just before the hour mark.

The result at the Morumbi Stadium saw Sao Paulo displace Flamengo at the head of the standings with 35 points from 17 matches.

Not since June 2015 have the six-time Serie A champions led Brazil's top division. Meanwhile, Vasco are 13th, 16 points off the pace.

In other matches on Sunday, Cruzeiro drew 1-1 at Vitoria, Ceara won 1-0 at Parana, America Mineiro and Palmeiras drew 0-0, Fluminense drew 1-1 at home to Bahia and Chapecoense drew 1-1 at Sport Recife.