RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Former Atletico Madrid and Brazil international midfielder Diego struck his fourth goal of the Brazilian Serie A season on Thursday as Flamengo beat Vitoria 1-0.

Diego timed his run to perfection to slide in from close range after Lucas Paqueta headed down a Rene Rodrigues cross from the left at the Maracana Stadium.

Despite their victory, Flamengo remained third in the 20-team standings, two points adrift of leaders Sao Paulo and a point behind Internacional.

In Thursday's only other match, Vasco da Gama held Atletico Mineiro to a goalless draw in Belo Horizonte.

The result saw Atletico drop to sixth in the standings while Vasco rose to 14th, two points clear of the relegation zone.