Paulo Henrique scored a goal and provided an assist as Vasco da Gama continued its resurgence with a 2-0 home win over Cruzeiro in Brazil's Serie A on Saturday.

Rayan opened the scoring in the eighth minute by heading into the far corner after Henrique's cross from the right wing.

Vasco doubled its lead just after the hour when Henrique capitalized on chaotic defending to fire home from the edge of the 18-yard box.

Cruzeiro looked more cohesive in the last half hour, dominating for long periods but lacking incisiveness in attack.

"I don't remember Cruzeiro having a clear chance," Vasco manager Fernando Diniz told a post-match news conference.

"We didn't suffer in the game. What the team lacked a bit was more control of possession. I think we could have had, at certain moments, more circulation of the ball. That's something we can work on, but I'm seeing that we're connecting more as a team with every game."

Vasco has now gone seven games without defeat across all competitions dating back to August 24, and has risen to 10th in Brazil's Serie A standings with 30 points. Cruzeiro remains second with 50 points, one behind Flamengo.

In other Brazilian top flight fixtures on Saturday, Atletico Mineiro won 1-0 at home to Mirassol, Internacional drew 1-1 at Juventude and Fortaleza edged Sport 1-0 at home.