Botafogo have gone top of the Brasileirão after a solitary goal from Clarence Seedorf helped them edge past reigning champions Fluminense on Sunday.
The Dutch veteran thumped the ball home from long range in the 84th minute to secure all three points at Recife’s Itaipava Arena Pernambuco, as the Maracanã was unavailable.
On Saturday, Coritiba came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw at Flamengo, thanks to goals from Chico and Alex, but have now slipped into second place following Botafogo’s win.
Internacional moved within four points of first place after coming out on top of an eight-goal thriller against Vasco da Gama at the Estádio Centenário.
The hosts held a narrow 2-1 lead at the break after an own goal from Nei and a Diego Forlan strike, before André pulled one back for Vasco on the stroke of half time.
However, Inter pulled away in the second half and goals from Índio, Rafael Moura and Andrés D’Alessandro secured a 5-3 victory, despite a late consolation from Fellipe Bastos.
Corinthians became the first team to win away at Bahia with a 2-0 victory, courtesy of an Alexandre Pato brace.
Meanwhile, Vitória dropped to third on 10 points after a 1-0 defeat away to Goiás, with Walter netting the winner eight minutes into the second half.
Santos won 2-0 at São Paulo thanks to goals from Giva and Cicero, while Atlético Mineiro edged past Criciúma.
In other results, Ponte Preta beat Nautico 3-1, Atlético Paranaense drew 1-1 with Grêmio, and Portuguesa held Cruzeiro to a 1-1 draw.
