Rio de Janeiro Aug 24 (IANS) Former Atletico Madrid and Brazil international midfielder Diego struck his fourth goal of the Brazilian Serie A football season as Flamengo beat Vitoria 1-0.

Diego timed his run to perfection to slide in from close range after Lucas Paqueta headed down a Rene Rodrigues cross from the left at the Maracana Stadium on Thursday reports Xinhua news agency.

Despite their victory Flamengo remained third in the 20-team standings two points adrift of leaders Sao Paulo and a point behind Internacional.

In Thursday s only other match Vasco da Gama held Atletico Mineiro to a goalless draw in Belo Horizonte.

The result saw Atletico drop to sixth in the standings while Vasco rose to 14th two points clear of the relegation zone.

--IANS ajb/ksk