Ponte Preta and Corinthians both earned narrow away wins in the Campeonato Paulista on Sunday, to move second and sixth respectively.
After starting the day level with Santos in second spot, Ponte Preta made the most of the former's 0-0 draw with Palmeiras by winning 1-0 at Paulista's Estadio Dr Jayme Pinheiro de Ulhoa Cintra.
William scored the decisive goal for Guto Ferreira's men, assisted by right winger Chiquinho.
Ponte Preta sit two points back from first-placed Sao Paulo, although they have played one game more than the league leaders.
Corinthians struck early and held on for a 1-0 win at Guarani's Estadio Brinco de Ouro da Princesa.
Former Bundesliga attacker Paolo Guerrero scored his eighth goal of the calendar year in all competitions, netting in the sixth minute with Emerson Sheik providing the assist.
Santos could not break through for the first time in four matches, as Palmeiras held them to a scoreless stalemate at the Estadio Municipal Paulo Machado de Carvalho.
Mogi Mirim arrested a deficit to beat Mirassol 3-1 at their Estadio Romildo Vitor Gomes Ferreira stadium, with the win taking them into fourth spot.
Camilo scored from the spot on the 13th minute to give strugglers Mirassol a shock lead, but the home side went into the break level courtesy of Roni's on-target effort.
Five minutes after the re-start, and normal order had resumed for Mogi Mirim as Tiago Alves netted from Val's assists.
And deep into injury time, Carlos Alberto made sure of the three points with his fifth goal in 13 games for his new club.
Oeste striker Serginho struck a brace to help his side to a memorable 2-1 win away at Ituano's Estadio Municipal Dr Novelli Junior.
Thiago Bezerra put Ituano ahead on eight minutes, but Serginho equalised on 24 minutes before the front man then scored a late winner on 90 minutes.
Bottom club Uniao Barbarense were held to a 0-0 home draw by fellow strugglers Sao Caetano, with both sides occupying relegation zone space.
