Corinthians extend unbeaten run to 18 games

Belo Horizonte (Brazil) Aug 3 (IANS) Corinthians have extended their unbeaten run to 18 matches with a 2-0 away victory over Atletico Mineiro in Brazil s Serie A football championship.

Former Manchester City striker Jo lashed in the opener from close range and Rodriguinho doubled the visitors lead when he wrong-footed his marker before beating goalkeeper Victor at his near post here on Wednesday evening reports Xinhua news agency.

Corinthians lead the 20-team standings with 44 points from 18 matches eight points ahead of second-placed Gremio who won 1-0 at Atletico Goianiense.

In Rio de Janeiro a late Deyverson strike gave defending champions Palmeiras a 2-1 victory over Botafogo at the Olympic stadium. Earlier Botafogo s Rodrigo Pimpao cancelled out an Igor Rabello own goal.

In other matches on Wednesday Bahia drew 1-1 at Chapecoense hosts Vitoria beat Ponte Preta 3-1 Fluminense drew 2-2 at Sport and Santos defeated Flamengo 3-2.

--IANS
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