Corinthians shook off the disappointment of their failed bid to sign Carlos Tevez by extending their advantage at the top of the Brasileirao with a 2-0 win at Botafogo.

O Timão pulled out of their big-money move for the Argentina forward earlier in the day, but goals from Liedson and Paulinho in each half helped push the issue aside.

Corinthians have now won nine of their opening ten games to be seven points clear of second-placed Sao Paulo.

Flamengo played out a goalless draw away to Palmeiras to remain a point further back in third, while Gremio's visit to Figueirense also ended 0-0.