RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 4 -- Brazilian Serie A leaders Santos scored three goals in each half to romp to a 6-1 home win over Goias on Sunday.
Carlos Sanchez, Lucas Verissimio and Gustavo Henrique struck early before an Eduardo Sasha strike and a quickfire Yeferson Soteldo brace piled more misery on Claudinei Oliveira's team.
The visitors pulled a goal back thanks to a powerful finish from Kayke Rodrigues in second-half stoppage time.
The result saw Santos move four points clear of second-placed Palmeiras, who continued their shaky recent form with a 1-1 draw at Corinthians.
Luiz Felipe Scolari's men have now gone four matches without a league win since the competition resumed after a month-long recess for the Copa America.
In Salvador, Bahia moved up to 10th as a Gilberto Silva hat-trick fired them to a 3-0 home win over Flamengo. Despite the result, the Rio de Janeiro giants remained third in the standings, above Atletico Mineiro on goal difference.
In other matches on Sunday, Botafogo won 2-0 at Avai, CSA held Vasco da Gama to a goalless draw and Atletico Mineiro secured a 2-0 home win over local rivals Cruzeiro.?