Wins keep Cruzeiro, Sao Paulo in touch

Cruzeiro and Sao Paulo kept in touch with Campeonato Brasileiro leaders Gremio after the pair recorded 1-0 triumphs over Ipatinga and Nautico respectively on Thursday.

With Gremio and second-placed Palmeiras winning on Wednesday night, both sides needed victories which they duly completed to remain four points off the pace.

Cruzeiro took advantage of a mistake by Ipatinga's keeper Fernando that allowed Ramires to bag the only goal of the game after 27 minutes.

"After the goal, we relaxed and just tried to protect our lead. We didn`t play well but we still won," said defender Thiago Heleno.

Sao Paulo, on the other hand, dominated Nautico but wasted chance after chance until Hernanes` finish from the edge of the area broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute.

"Our main target is to be champions. Certainly it will not be easy but today we showed we will fight until the end," said Hernanes afterwards.

Finally, Botafogo overcame Vitoria 3-1 at home to climb to sixth place.

Wallace put Vitoria ahead after only six minutes but they were reduced to 10 men shortly afterwards when Anderson Martins saw red.

Argentinian striker Leandro Zarate equalised before half-time while Lucio Flavio and Andre Luis completed the 3-1 victory.