SAO PAULO, Nov. 2 -- Defending Brazilian Serie A champions Palmeiras kept the pressure on leaders Flamengo with a 1-0 home victory over Ceara on Saturday, their third straight victory.

Ze Rafael capitalized on a poor clearance to fire a low shot in off the right post in the 17th minute at Allianz Parque.

The hosts then opted to sit back for long periods and weathered a sustained spell of dominance in the second half from Ceara, who managed five shots on target to Palmeiras' two.

The result left Mano Menezes' team on 63 points with eight rounds left, five points behind leaders Flamengo, who have a game in hand. Ceara remained 15th with 33 points.

In other Serie A fixtures on Saturday, Atletico Mineiro drew 2-2 at Fortaleza and Vasco da Gama held Fluminense to a goalless draw in their Rio de Janeiro derby.

【体坛英语资讯：Palmeiras beat Ceara to keep Brazil Serie A title hopes alive】相关文章：

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Eva Mendes checks into rehab: report

★ 体坛英语资讯：Chinas Zheng to miss World Cup qualifier

★ 体坛资讯：Richards to meet an example, Liu Xiang to set an example

★ 体坛英语资讯：Federer and Henin win top sports awards

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Jennifer Lopez is pregnant

★ 体坛英语资讯：Turkey, Czech in must-win game, Swiss out of hope against Portugal

★ 体坛英语资讯：James throws up more bricks, Celtics win 89-73

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Hollywood studios to resume contract talks with major actors union

★ 体坛英语资讯：Another injury sends Yi to NBA sidelines

★ 体坛英语资讯：Capello warns Beckham not to expect any favours