RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Petkovic scored two goals to help Flamengo clinch a 2-0 away win over Palmeiras.

    Petkovic scored his first goal in the 23rd minute, dribbling through four Palmeiras players and knocking the ball into the upper right corner of goal.

    Off a corner kick in the 62nd minute, Petkovic curved the ball, directing it straight into the net.

    Palmeiras was awarded a penalty kick in the 87th minute, but Vagner Love shot the ball well over the Flamengo net to the disgust of the home crowd.

    Flamengo's win marks the ninth game in which the team has not lost. They now hold onto 5th place with 48 points and have their eyes set on qualifying for the 2010 Libertadores Cup.

    Palmeiras, despite their third straight game without a win, remains in first place with 54 points.