RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Corinthians extended their unbeaten run to 18 matches with a 2-0 away victory over Atletico Mineiro in Brazil's Serie A championship on Wednesday.
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.
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.
