Lopez shines as Palmeiras pulls clear in Brazil's Serie A

Jose Manuel Lopez scored twice as Palmeiras extended its lead at the top of Brazil's Serie A on Sunday with a 4-1 home win over Vasco da Gama.

Lopez opened the scoring in the 47th minute before Vitor Roque converted a penalty and Mauricio added a third goal just inside the hour.

Argentina international striker Lopez struck again a minute from time ahead of Facundo Colidio's stoppage-time consolation goal for the visitors.

The result leaves Palmeiras with 51 points, six clear of second-placed Flamengo, which has a game in hand. Vasco is 19th in the 20-team standings with 22 points.

Elsewhere in Brazil's Serie A on Sunday, Coritiba won 2-1 at home to Corinthians, Mirassol drew 1-1 at Santos, Chapecoense won 1-0 at home to Sao Paulo, Bragantino secured a 1-0 home win over Gremio, and Bahia prevailed 2-0 at Vitoria.