Sao Paulo win third straight match in Brazilian Serie A

Goiânia (Brazil) Nov 5 (IANS) Sao Paulo kept alive their slim hopes of securing a 2018 Copa Libertadores berth by defeating Atletico Goianiense 1-0 in Brazil s Serie A football championship.

Former Juventus midfielder Hernanes struck the winner for the visitors with his chest after a Lucas Pratto cross at the Serra Dourado Stadium here on Saturday reports Xinhua news agency.

It was Sao Paulo s third straight victory marking the first time the club has achieved the feat since June 2015.

The six-time Serie A champions moved up to ninth in the 20-team standings five points shy of the Copa Libertadores places with six matches remaining.

In other fixtures on Saturday Fluminense won 2-1 at Botafogo Santos secured a 3-1 home victory over Atletico Mineiro and Coritiba routed Avai 4-0.

--IANS
ajb/bg