RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Flamengo opened up a five-point lead at the top of the Brazilian Serie A standings on Sunday after grinding out a 1-0 win at Chapecoense.

Brazil international forward Bruno Henrique put the visitors ahead with a 35th-minute strike at Arena Conda as Flamengo secured their 16th win of the campaign.

The Rio de Janeiro giants now have 52 points from 23 matches and are unbeaten in their past 13 outings across all competitions.

Their title chances were given an unexpected boost earlier on Sunday when second-placed Palmeiras drew 1-1 at home to Atletico Mineiro.

In other Brazilian Serie A matches, Goias won 1-0 at Ceara, hosts CSA beat Avai 3-1 and Fluminense won 1-0 at Botafogo.