RIO DE JANEIRO, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Midfielder Dudu and forward Rony scored either side of halftime as Palmeiras reclaimed top spot in Brazil's Serie A championship on Sunday with a 2-0 victory at Coritiba.
Dudu opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a first-time drive from outside the area following Marcos Rocha's cross.
Rony doubled the lead just after the hour mark, slotting home at the far post after Gabriel Veron's precise pass from the edge of the penalty area.
The hosts were reduced to 10 men when Thonny Carvalho was shown a straight red card for an ugly challenge on Rony.
Palmeiras controlled possession thereafter to ease to their sixth win in 11 matches this campaign. The reigning Copa Libertadores champions now have 22 points, one point more than second-placed Corinthians. Coritiba are seventh, seven points off the pace.
In other Brazilian Serie A fixtures on Sunday, Athletico Paranaense drew 0-0 at Fortaleza, Sao Paulo claimed a 1-0 home win over America Mineiro and Ceara drew 1-1 at Goias. ■
