Cruzeiro leads in Brazil`s Serie A

Belo Horizonte: Defending champions Cruzeiro have extended their lead at the top of Brazil`s Serie A championship following a 5-0 victory over promoted Figueirense.

Lucas Silva opened the scoring just before halftime at the Mineirao stadium Saturday before Marquinhos, Dede, Goulart, and Dagoberto netted in the second half. Cruzeiro have now won nine of their first 12 matches of the season to move to 28 points, eight clear of second-placed Santos. "We have to keep our feet on the ground because it`s a long, difficult season," Cruzeiro coach Marcelo Oliveira said after that match. "Now we have to work extra hard to maintain our advantage." In other matches Saturday, Vitoria defeated Criciuma 3-1 and Santos beat Chapecoense 3-0.