SAO PAULO, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Palmeiras extended their lead at the top of the Brazilian Serie A standings on Saturday with a 3-2 home victory over their arch rivals Santos.

Dudu opened the scoring in the 14th minute at Allianz Parque and he then turned provider by setting up Edu Dracuna just before halftime.

Jonathan Copete pulled a goal back for the visitors shortly after the restart before Dodo struck a 65th-minute equalizer.

Palmeiras regained the lead through Victor Luis and Santos were reduced to 10 men shortly after when Diego Pituca was shown a second yellow card for a bad tackle.

The hosts dominated possession for the remainder of the match as they held on to secure their 19th win of the campaign.

Bidding for their 10th top flight title, Palmeiras are now seven points clear at the top of the standings with six matches remaining.

In other fixtures on Saturday, Gremio won 1-0 Atletico Mineiro and Vasco da Gama beat Fluminense 1-0 in their Rio de Janeiro derby. Enditem