Flamengo cut gap at top of Brazilian Serie A

Everton scored the first goal for Flamengo against America Mineiro during the thirty-fifth round of the Brazilian Championship Series, held at the Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, Nov 16, 2016. [Photo/IC]

RIO DE JANEIRO - Flamengo moved to within four points of league leaders Palmeiras with a 1-0 victory over America Mineiro in Brazil's Serie A championship on Wednesday.

Midfielder Everton headed in the winner just after the half-hour mark at the Mineirao stadium as Flamengo clinched their 19th win of the campaign.

Meanwhile, Corinthians' hopes of qualifying for next year's Copa Libertadores suffered a new blow when they could manage only a 1-1 draw at Figueirense.

The result left the defending champions seventh in the standings, a point shy of the places that will earn a direct berth in South America's top club competition next year.

In other matches on Wednesday, Chapecoense won 2-0 at Botafogo, Coritiba beat Santa Cruz 1-0 and Cruzeiro won 1-0 at Sport Recife.