Botafogo kept in touch with Campeonato leaders Fluminense with a 2-0 win over Sao Paulo.

Three points came courtesy of Washington (67) and Edno (80) and ensured Botafogo would go level with the pace-setters at the top if they win their game in hand.

Cruzeiro are third after a 2-1 away win at Avai. Roger opened the scoring with a 24th-minute penalty and despite losing Marquinos to a 53rd-minute red card the visitors went further ahead through Thiago Ribeiro before Laercio pulled one back.

Marcelino Junior Mazola scored the only goal as Guarani defeated Atletico Paranaenseda Silva Marcelo and Manoel Obina did the same for Atletico Mineiro against Gremio Prudente.

Magno De Araujo and Geraldo hit the target and Keirrison replied as Ceara surprised Santos 2-1, while Internacional drew 0-0 with rock bottom Goias. Palmeiras and Vasco da Gama also played out a stalemate.