Former Brazil midfielder Julio Baptista scored twice in the second half to help Cruzeiro defeat Botafogo 3-0 in the Brazilian Campeonato.
Midfielder Nilton opened the scoring just before the break with a volley from close to the penalty spot before Baptista wrapped up the win that puts Cruzeiro seven points clear of Botafogo in the overall standings.
Fluminense came from behind to beat Criciuma 2-1 after Lins put the home side ahead. Bruno scored on the stroke of half-time to level the scores before he found the winner in the 72nd minute.
Third-place Gremio drew 1-1 at home to Santos on Wednesday when Willian Jose cancelled out Elano's 73rd minute score while Sao Paulo claimed their third win in a row as Welliton's goal saw them claim a 1-0 win over Athletico Mineiro.
Fellipe Bastos and Adailton both scored late goals as Ponte Preta claimed a 2-0 win over Corinthians Coritiba drew 2-2 with Goias after Roni cancelled out Lincoln's seventh-minute goal for the home side, before Eduardo Sasha gave Goias the lead. However, Robinho's 74th-minute score made sure of a point for Coritiba.
Vitoria beat Vasco da Gama 2-1 after they came from behind with goals by Alemao and Marquinhos after Andre's eighth-minute opener for the Rio de Janeiro-based side.
