Sao Paulo have regained their five-point lead in the Campeonato Paulista after a hard-fought 2-0 win over an impressive Bragantino side.
An own goal by Bragantino midfielder Preto and Luis Fabiano's strike just before half-time proved the difference at Sao Paulo's Estadio Cicero Pompeu de Toledo as the home side moved to 32 points at the top of the standings.
Saturday's win means Sao Paulo again lead Santos by five points after the latter had moved within two with a victory on Thursday.
Santos are level on 27 points with Ponte Preta, while Botafogo SP are fourth on 25 but have played one more game than the top-three clubs.
Bragantino travelled to Sao Paulo in 10th position with just one win in their past six games but belied their poor form with an impressive start against Sao Paulo.
The home side's goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni was forced into a number of smart saves in the opening quarter of an hour, with his stop at close range from Bragantino left-back Leo Jaime particularly sharp.
Having weathered the early storm from the visitors, Sao Paulo took the initiative in the final 15 minutes of the first half.
In the 31st minute, Preto knocked the ball into his own net after a cross from Wallyson and 13 minutes later Jadson created Sao Paulo's second goal, teeing up Fabiano, who produced a cool finish.
Botafogo thumped Linense 3-0 to move above Palmeiras into fourth on the table with right-winger Daniel Borges scoring twice.
After Ze Antonio had put Botafogo in front on the quarter-hour mark, Borges struck twice in the second half to complete his team's victory.
In other results in the Sao Paulo state championship, Penapolense defeated Sao Bernardo 3-0 and XV de Piracicaba won 1-0 away to Atletico Sorocaba.
