Rio de Janeiro, Aug 29 (IANS): Former Brazil football players Diego and Leandro Damiao were on target as Flamengo defeated Chapecoense 3-1 in Brazil's Serie A championship.

Midfielder Diego struck in the ninth minute before striker Damiao and Argentine Federico Mancuello added two more after half-time at the Arena Conda in Chapeco on Sunday. Veteran forward Kempes was on the score-sheet for Chapecoense, reports Xinhua news agency.

Diego has now scored two goals in as many matches for Flamengo since his arrival in July on a free transfer from Fenerbahce. Damiao has two goals from three matches, having also arrived last month from Spain's Real Betis.

The result lifted Flamengo to second in Brazil's Serie A standings, three points behind leaders Palmeiras, who won 2-0 at Fluminense.

In other matches on Sunday, Cruzeiro beat Santa Cruz 2-0, Figueirense won 1-0 at Santos, Atletico Mineiro drew 1-1 at Gremio, Coritiba held Sao Paulo to a goalless draw and Internacional drew 1-1 at Sport Recife.