RIO DE JANEIRO, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Luciano Neves and Jonathan Calleri scored second-half goals as Sao Paulo rose to the top of Brazil's Serie A on Thursday with a 2-0 home win over Chapecoense.

Luciano opened the scoring just after halftime, timing his run to perfection to nod into the far corner after Marcos Antonio's floating cross.

Argentine striker Calleri extended the lead in the 60th minute as he combined with Damian Bobadilla before slotting home from inside the six-yard box.

Sao Paulo is now three points clear of second-placed Palmeiras with 13 points while Chapecoense is 12th, eight points further back.

Earlier, John Kennedy and Agustin Canobbio scored either side of halftime as Fluminense secured a 2-0 away win over Remo.

The visitors took the lead in the 16th minute when Kennedy volleyed in after Rene's headed pass.

Uruguayan midfielder Canobbio doubled the lead just after the hour by latching onto Luciano Acosta's cross with a bullet header that beat goalkeeper Marcelo Rangel at his near post.

The result leaves Fluminense third in the 20-team standings with 10 points, two points behind leader Sao Paulo. Remo is 18th with three points from five outings.

In Rio de Janeiro, Thiago Mendes and Cuiabano scored second-half goals to fire Vasco da Gama to a 2-0 home win over Palmeiras. ■