Barbosa nets winner for Cruzeiro against former club Flamengo

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Gabriel Barbosa struck late against his former club as Cruzeiro edged to a 2-1 home victory over Flamengo in Brazil's Serie A championship on Sunday.

Kaio Jorge opened the scoring when he received Lucas Romero's pass on the counterattack and dribbled 25 yards before rifling an 18-yard shot that beat goalkeeper Agustin Rossi at his near post.

Uruguayan midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta equalized just before halftime by nonchalantly curling a first-time effort from outside the area into the top-right corner after Gerson's pass.

Barbosa, an 88th-minute substitute for Matheus Pereira, fired home the winner from point-blank range after his initial attempt from the penalty spot was saved by Rossi.

"I didn't celebrate out of respect for Flamengo," Barbosa, who joined Cruzeiro in January after six years at Flamengo, told reporters after the match.

"It's difficult but my heart is with Cruzeiro now. I don't know if it was written in the stars that this would happen. Like I keep saying, I'm always ready to play. Even it's only for three or four minutes, I know I can make something special happen."

The result leaves Cruzeiro fourth in the 20-team standings with 13 points, one behind second-placed Flamengo.

Elsewhere in Brazil's top flight on Sunday, Gremio won 1-0 at home to Santos and Palmeiras prevailed 1-0 at Vasco da Gama. ■