Santos moved up to third in the Campeonato Brasileiro thanks to a 2-1 home win over Avai on Thursday.

Neymar, who was linked recently with a move to English Premier League champions Chelsea, opened the scoring in the first minute for the hosts and substitute Marcel added a second with eight minutes to go.

Valber's goal three minutes from time set up a tight finish but Santos held on for their fifth straight win to go above Botafogo, who have the same number of points but have played a game more than Santos. Both teams are eight behind Campeonato leaders Fluminense.

In the night's other match, Sao Paulo beat Atletico Goianiense 2-1 in a match where they took a 23rd-minute lead through Xandao. Substitute Juninho levelled for Atletico five minutes into the second period but Dagoberto grabbed the winner for Sao Paulo with 20 minutes left.