Juninho leads Vasco to 3-1 win over Fluminense

Rio de Janeiro: Juninho scored one goal and set up another as Vasco da Gama defeated nine-man Fluminense 3-1 in the Campeonato Brasileiro. Playing in his first match since rejoining the club from New York Red Bulls earlier this month, the 38-year-old opened the scoring at the Maracana stadium Sunday with a low shot after Pedro Ken`s precise pass. Fluminense were reduced to 10 men just five minutes later when Brazil striker Fred was shown a straight red card for elbowing Jomar. Juninho then set up Andre to make it 2-0 before Carlinhos reduced the deficit by heading in a Rafael Sobis cross. But Fluminense`s hopes of a revival were all but dashed when Digao was dismissed for his second yellow card after a foul on Andre. Ecuadorian striker Carlos Tenorio put the result beyond doubt seven minutes from time by nodding in Fillipe Soutto`s pass. The result lifts Vasco to 17th in the standings while Fluminense have dropped to 10th. In other matches Sunday, Vitoria drew 0-0 with Bahia, Internacional beat Flamengo 1-0, Atletico Paranaense drew 1-1 with Corinthians, Santos drew 2-2 with Coritiba while Goias overcame Portuguesa 2-1. IANS