Leaders Corinthians suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to 10-man Botafogo in the Campeonato.
The visitor was fastest out of the blocks and went a goal up in the 13th minute through Uruguayan veteran Sebastian Abreu's strike.
It was 2-0 in the 33rd minute when Maicosuel found time and space to beat Julio Cesar in the Corinthians goal and despite the dismissal of Bruno Cortes in the 59th minute, Botafogo eventually ran out comfortable winners to overtake Sao Paulo in third after they were held to a goalless draw at home to Internacional.
Adilson Batista was able to field big guns Rivaldo, Dagoberto and Luis Fabiano but the stellar trio were unable to provide the cutting edge needed against a switched-on Inter side.
Indeed, the Porto Allege team had their own chances but in the end both sides had to share the points.
Traditional giants Flamengo and Palmeiras shared a 1-1 draw, even though the match had been placed in doubt.
Palmeiras player Joao Vitor was allegedly attacked by his own supporters outside the club's stadium which resulted in the Sao Paulo club cancelling its travel plans.
However, the game went ahead in Rio de Janeiro where Thiago Neves edged the hosts in front 10 minutes after the break but just eight minutes later Palmeiras equalised through Maikon Leite's clever finish.
After the match Palmeiras coach Luiz Felipe Scolari revealed that Kleber would not play for the club again.
The Brazilian striker criticized the way the club's directors handled the incident involving Vitor, and Scolari has now confirmed he will not play again under his stewardship.
William's injury-time penalty earned Avai a 2-2 draw at home to Atletico Goianiense. William had earlier put the hosts ahead before two goals before the break saw Atletico storm back.
But after the 75th-minute dismissal of substitute Santos Agenor, William struck from the spot in the dying stages.
Mid-table Gremio lost 3-1 at home to Figueirense as Aloisio, Elias and Wellington all got on the scoresheet.
America MG's 4-1 win over Ceara was blighted by the late dismissal of substitute Emidio Flavio while Bahia and Cruzeiro drew 0-0.
