Palmeiras win 3-0 to go fourth in Brazil's Serie A

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - A brace from Rony either side of halftime helped Palmeiras to get a 3-0 win over visitors Athletico Paranaense on Saturday and lifted the Sao Paulo club into fourth place in Brazil’s Serie A.

Patrick de Paula with a nice turn and finish put Palmeiras 1-0 up after eight minutes and Rony doubled their leader 11 minutes before the break.

Rony got his second with a header four minutes into the second half to seal all three points for the home side.

Palmeiras are now five points behind leaders Atletico Mineiro and have a game in hand.

Athletico sit in 11th spot in the 20-team table.

(Reporting by Andrew Downie; editing by Clare Fallon)