RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Former Benfica and Tottenham Hotspur striker Carlos Vinicius netted a hat-trick as Gremio secured a 5-3 home win over Botafogo in Brazil's Serie A on Wednesday.
Vinicius cancelled out Arthur Cabral's opener by tapping in from close range but former Nottingham Forest midfielder Danilo restored the visitors' lead with a composed finish on the counterattack.
The hosts emerged from the interval with renewed purpose, with Vinicius scoring twice in seven minutes: first with an inch-perfect header and then with a penalty following an Alex Telles handball.
Tete and Edenilson extended Gremio's lead before Danilo pulled a goal back with a spectacular overhead effort that deflected in off Wagner Leonardo.
The result in Porto Alegre leaves Gremio seventh in the 20-team standings with three points from two games, behind fifth-placed Botafogo on goal difference.
Elsewhere in Brazil's Serie A on Wednesday, Palmeiras romped to a 5-1 home win over Vitoria, Santos drew 1-1 at home to Sao Paulo, Remo was held to a 2-2 home draw by Mirassol, Flamengo drew 1-1 at home to Internacional and Bragantino edged to a 1-0 home win over Atletico Mineiro. ■
