Santos miss chance to close gap on leaders in 2-0 defeat

By Our Reporter

Santos missed a chance to close the gap on Brazilian league leaders Flamengo on Sunday after suffering a 2-0 Serie A defeat at Atletico Mineiro in Belo Horizonte.

Luan put the home side ahead in the second minute with a left-foot strike and then Leonardo Silva doubled their lead midway through the first half when he headed home a corner kick.

Third-placed Santos started the day 10 points behind leaders Flamengo and two behind second-place Palmeiras.

Flamengo stretched their lead when they beat Fluminense 2-0 in the Rio derby later on Sunday, while Palmeiras are away to Athletico Paranaense.

Atletico Mineiro are in 12th place with 35 points.(Reuters/NAN)