RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 4-- 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 championship on Saturday. Former Juventus midfielder Hernanes struck the winner for the visitors with his chest after a Lucas Pratto cross at the Serra Dourado stadium. It was Sao Paulo's third straight victory, marking the first time the club has achieved the feat since June 2017. 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. |