Rio de Janeiro, March 24 (IANS): Argentina international striker Hernan Barcos scored a hat-trick as Gremio beat Juventude 3-0 in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul state championship.

Brazil striker Fred was on target in Fluminense's 3-1 victory over Volta Redonda while Edmilson netted twice in Vasco da Gama's 4-0 rout of Duque de Caxias Sunday, reports Xinhua.

Flamengo stayed top of the Campeonato Carioca standings after Alecsandro's double fired them to a 5-3 victory over Cabofriense.

Santos moved 12 points clear on top of the Sao Paulo championship's Group C with a 2-1 win over Palmeiras while Sao Paulo beat Botafogo SP 2-0 to remain at the head of Group A.

In the Minas Gerais championship, Brazil striker Jo netted in Atletico Mineiro's 4-1 defeat of America MG. Atletico were without former Barcelona star Ronaldinho, who was rested for the match.

In the Parana state league, Atletico Paranense beat Parana Clube 2-0 despite fielding a reserve team in preparation for Wednesday's Copa Libertadores clash against Velez Sarsfield.