Sao Paulo, Oct 3 (IANS) Striker Henrique scored a hat-trick as eight-time champions Palmeiras moved clear of the relegation zone with a 4-2 victory over Chapecoense in Brazil's Serie A.

Henrique completed his treble in 14 second-half minutes after his teammate Wesley had cancelled out Leandro's opener at the Pacaembu stadium Thursday, reports Xinhua.

Leandro netted a second goal for the visitors in second-half injury time.

The result lifted Palmeiras to 15th in Brazil's top-flight standings with 28 points, ahead of Chapecoense on goal difference.

Henrique has now scored 12 goals from 22 matches this season to be the league's equal top-scorer alongside Cruzeiro's Marcelo Moreno.

"I had no idea where I was on the scoring chart," Henrique said, adding the team was already thinking about the next duel against Botafogo.

"What was more important than my goals was the result. But we have to keep our feet on the ground because it's only one match and next week we have a tough opponent."