RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 26 -- Vasco da Gama's hopes of securing a berth in next year's Copa Libertadores were boosted by a 1-0 away victory over Cruzeiro in Brazil's Serie A championship on Sunday.

Defender Paulao struck the winner in the first half when he headed in after a Nene corner kick.

The result at the Mineirao stadium left Vasco seventh in the 20-team standings, behind sixth-placed Flamengo on goal difference with one round remaining.

The top six teams at the end of the season will earn a berth in next year's Copa Libertadores, South America's top club competition.

In Rio de Janeiro, Flamengo missed a chance to consolidate their place in the top six by losing 2-1 at home to Santos. Lucas Paqueta put the hosts ahead but Bruno Henrique and Arthur Gomez hit the target to lift Santos to third in the standings.

In other matches on Sunday, Avai won 1-0 at home to Atletico Paranaense, Atletico Mineiro drew 2-2 at Corinthians, Sao Paulo won 2-1 at Coritiba, Gremio were held to a 1-1 home draw by Atletico Goianiense, Vitoria won 3-2 at Ponte Preta and Chapecoense won 1-0 at Bahia.

【体坛英语资讯：Vasco keep alive Libertadores qualifying hopes】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：China achieves best results on track and field

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Paris Hiltons potential inheritance dramatically diminished

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Mel B enlists Posh to design sexy frocks

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Timberlake getting his own golf tourney

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Quake film series completed

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Gisele Bundchen wears nothing but a dripping wet dress

★ 体坛英语资讯：Germany beats North Korea 3-0 to advance to semifinals

★ 体坛英语资讯：Ekstroem beats Schumacher in Wembley final

★ 体坛资讯：Iran fights back to draw China 2-2

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Jolie turns to porn star Gal Pal for catwoman tips