Rio de Janeiro, Jul 14 (IANS): Uruguay Diego Forlan scored two first-half goals to help Internacional beat reigning champions Fluminense 3-2 in Brazil's Serie A football championship.

Argentine winger Andres D'Alessandro struck in the 19th minute in Macae with an angled shot past Diego Cavalieri after a precise Forlan pass on the counterattack Saturday, reports Xinhua.

Forlan then fired in from the edge of the area following a failed clearance from Fluminense defender Gum before Carlinhos headed in a Rafael Sobis free-kick to make it 2-1.

Cavalieri gifted Forlan his second goal when the Uruguayan's corner kick slipped through his hands on the stroke of halftime.

Brazil international striker Fred gave his side hope by toe-poking in after a goalmouth scramble but Internacional withstood a late Fluminense charge to move into second place in the Brasileirao standings.

Meanwhile, a Neilton double helped Santos rise to fourth spot with a 4-1 victory over Portuguesa at Vila Belmiro.