Defending champions Cruzeiro beat Flamengo comfortably to ensure that they would enter the Serie A World Cup recess top of the standings, at the same time plunging their opponents into the relegation zone to continue what has been a miserable season thus far.
The hosts had this game wrapped up by half time thanks to an opener from Brasileirao top goalscorer Ricardo Goulart, coupled with strikes from much-in-demand Everton Ribeiro and 33 year-old striker Borges.
Sitting on 19 points after nine league games, Cruzeiro are three clear of a four-team chasing pack as they bid to become the first team to successfully defend the championship since Sao Paulo managed three straight titles in the middle of last decade.
Flamengo, by contrast, are only three points ahead of Serie A’s bottom side Figueirense and so will be glad of the extended break until the league resumes on July 15.
