Sao Paulo close in on title

Sao Paulo have taken another big step towards the Campeonato Brasileiro title by defeating third-placed Cruzeiro 1-0 to take a 13 point lead at the top.

A 69th-minute goal by midfielder Jorge Wagner gave Muricy Ramalho's side their 20th win this season and they can successfully defend the title on Monday (AEST) if they beat Sport while Palmeiras, Cruzeiro and Santos all lose their games.

"We are within reach of the trophy," said Diego Tardelli, who provided the pass for Wagner to score.

"To pass the ball to a teammate to net a goal is very important. I'm very happy because we are very close to the title."

Sao Paulo lead the championship with 67 points, with Palmeiras in second place with 54 and Cruzeiro third with 53.

Fourth-placed Santos, meanwhile, suffered a big defeat in the battle for the title as they were beaten 1-0 by Figueirense in Florianopolis, with Ramon scoring the winning goal in the 44th minute.

Giants Flamengo went up to sixth in the table thanks to a 2-0 triumph over fifth-placed Gremio.

Souza scored in the 25th minute and Ibson doubled the advantage 15 minutes after the interval as Joel Santana's team, who were battling against relegation just a few rounds ago, are now fighting for a place in next year's Copa Libertadores.

Corinthians remain in the danger zone after losing 1-0 at Nautico with Geraldo scoring the game's only goal from the penalty spot in the last minute.

Elsewhere, Internacional hammered Juventude 3-0 in Porto Alegre.

Abel Braga's side eased to the victory with Magrao opening the scoring in the 24th minute and Fernandao widening the gap seven minutes later.

Fernandao finished the game with a second goal with just two minutes to go at Beira-Rio.

Finally, Atletico Mineiro beat Vasco da Gama 1-0 at Mineirao while Atletico Paranaense saw off already relegated America 2-0.