América Mineiro defeated Paraná 2-0 last night to go top of Serie B, one point ahead of Botafogo who travel to Recife to take on Santa Cruz on Saturday.
Right-back Robertinho scored the first and central midfielder Tony put the Coelho 2-0 up from the penalty spot before half-time at the Arena Independência.
Givanildo Oliveira used the game to hand a debut to ex-Cruzeiro defensive midfielder Rodrigo Souza who started in place of the suspended Rodrigo Souza.
