Cruzeiro close in on leaders in Brazil

Cruzeiro cut the gap to Campeonato Brasileiro leaders Gremio courtesy of a 2-1 triumph over Vitoria on Saturday.

Defender Charles and Guilherme were on target before Cruzeiro and Vitoria were each reduced to 10 men.

Charles was sent off for an altercation with Vitoria's Leonardo Silva, who also saw red.

Substitute Ricardinho pulled one back for Vitoria, but Cruzeiro held on to move to 39 points, two behind Gremio, who will meet Sao Paulo on Sunday.

Striker Pedro Oldoni netted a hat-trick as Atletico Paranaense defeated bottom of the table Ipatinga 5-0.

Danilo and Ferreira completed the scoring as Atletico Paranaense climbed to 12th with the win.

Wellington Amorim netted an 85th-minute winner as Figueirense defeated Portuguesa 2-1.