Sao Paulo and Flamengo share points in entertaining 2-2 draw

Soccer Football - Brasileiro Championship - Sao Paulo v Flamengo - Morumbi stadium, Sao Paulo, Brazil - November 4, 2018. Flamengo's Fernando Uribe (not pictured) scores their first goal. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Second-place Flamengo missed a chance to put pressure on Serie A leaders Palmeiras on Sunday when they could only draw 2-2 at Sao Paulo.

The home team, who also needed the points to remain in the fight for the league title, went ahead twice, in the eighth minute through Diego Souza and again five minutes into the second half through Helinho.

Fernando Uribe pegged them back immediately after the opener and then Rodinei got the Rio club a deserved equaliser eight minutes before the final whistle.

Soccer Football - Brasileiro Championship - Sao Paulo v Flamengo - Morumbi stadium, Sao Paulo, Brazil - November 4, 2018. Flamengo's Cesar (37) in action during the match. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker

The result leaves Flamengo languishing six points behind Palmeiras with six games remaining.

Sao Paulo are in fourth, nine points off the lead.

Internacional, who were playing Atletico Paranaense later on Sunday, are two points behind Flamengo in third.

Soccer Football - Brasileiro Championship - Sao Paulo v Flamengo - Morumbi stadium, Sao Paulo, Brazil - November 4, 2018. Sao Paulo's Diego Souza in action with Flamengo's Vitinho. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker

(Reporting by Andrew Downie; editing by Clare Fallon)

Soccer Football - Brasileiro Championship - Sao Paulo v Flamengo - Morumbi stadium, Sao Paulo, Brazil - November 4, 2018. Flamengo's Willian Arao in action with Sao Paulo's Sidao. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker

Soccer Football - Brasileiro Championship - Sao Paulo v Flamengo - Morumbi stadium, Sao Paulo, Brazil - November 4, 2018. Flamengo's Rene in action with Sao Paulo's Sidao (L) and Bruno Alves. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker