Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Emerson Royal scored either side of halftime as leaders Flamengo cruised to a 2-0 away win over Juventude in Brazil's Serie A on Sunday.

De Arrascaeta put the visitors ahead in the 32nd minute, timing his run to perfection to head home after Saul Niguez's cross.

Emerson added a second by latching onto Jorge Carrascal's in-swinging free kick with a header at the far post.

The result means Flamengo remains four points clear of second-placed Palmeiras while Juventude is 18th in the 20-team standings.

"Our football is evolving," Flamengo manager Filipe Luis told a post match news conference. "Even though some important players have left us, we've seen new players join the group and adapt very quickly.

"We can't necessarily control results but we can control the way we play. We are going to try to continue to evolve and improve."

In other Brazilian Serie A fixtures on Sunday, Sport Recife drew 1-1 at Bragantino, Atletico Mineiro was held to a 1-1 home draw by Santos, Sao Paulo edged to a 1-0 home win over Botafogo and Ceara drew 2-2 at Vasco da Gama.