SÃO PAULO: Palmeiras opened up a six-point lead at the top of Brazil’s Serie A on Sunday when two goals from birthday boy Bruno Henrique gave them a 2-1 win over Ceará.

The midfielder, who celebrated his 29th birthday on Sunday, scored a penalty and a 30-metre strike in the first half to put the home side in command.

Deyverson was sent off for a dangerous challenge right on the stroke of halftime for Palmeiras. Arthur Cabral got a goal back for the northern club but they could not turn their numerical advantage into points in what was a highly entertaining second half.

The São Paulo club won for the fifth game in a row. They have lost just two of the 17 games since Luiz Felipe Scolari returned as coach in July.

With eight games remaining, Palmeiras lead the Série A by six points from Internacional, who play Santos on Monday.