São Paulo gave a boost to under pressure manager Ney Franco by securing a 3-2 victory over Oeste in the Campeonato Paulista on Sunday night, returning the team to the top of the table with a game in hand.
With a rotated team following their midweek defeat to Arsenal di Sarandi in the Copa Libertadores, São Paulo shot to a 2-0 lead early on thanks to goals from centre-backs Edson Silva and Rafael Tolói.
They were pegged back, though, on the verge of half-time by a goal from Oeste defender Ligger.
Midway through the second-half, returning striker Luis Fabiano put the result beyond doubt before Wanderson added a late consolation effort.
Hot on their heels and level on points, though, remain Ponte Preta who overcame Atlético Sorocaba 2-1 on the night. Cleber Reis and in form striker William opened up a two-goal lead for the Série A side, before Ton scored a consolation for the visitors.
Elsewhere, substitute Leandro took just four minutes to score his second goal in just four substitute appearances for Palmeiras in a 1-1 draw with bottom-placed São Caetano.
The 19-year-olf Brazil Under-20 forward is on loan at the Verdão following the transfer of Argentine Hernan Barcos to Grêmio and has thus far made a positive start to life in São Paulo.
In the final game of the night, Paulista struggled to a 1-1 home draw with Botafogo-SP. The Alvinegro currently lie in fourth place in the table ahead of both Corinthians and Palmeiras.
