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RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 17 (Xinhua ) -- Flamengo have extended their lead over Corinthians as Brazil's most popular football club, new figures show.

One in five people - or 20% of respondents to a Brazil-wide survey - said they supported the Rio de Janeiro giants, according to Datafolha.

The pollster said it surveyed 2,878 people over two days in 175 municipalities across each of Brazil's 26 states plus the federal district.

Corinthians had the second largest number of fans with 14% of the total, followed by Sao Paulo (8%), Palmeiras (6%), Vasco da Gama (4%), Cruzeiro (4%) and Gremio 4%. Some 22% of those consulted said they did not have a favorite team.

In Datafolha's previous survey - conducted in January 2018 - Flamengo supporters represented 18% of the total and Corinthians fans 14%.

Flamengo's rising popularity coincides with their improving fortunes on the pitch. The side managed by former Sporting Lisbon and Benfica boss Jorge Jesus currently lead the Brazilian Serie A standings at the season's halfway point as they bid for their first league title since 2009.

The Rubro-negro are also in the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores, South America's top club competition.