Botafogo beats Flamengo to rise to top of Brazil's Serie A

Jefferson Savarino scored one goal and set up another as Botafogo climbed to the top of Brazil's Serie A standings on Sunday with a 2-0 away win over Rio de Janeiro rivals Flamengo.

Luiz Henrique put the visitor ahead just after halftime at the Maracana stadium when he latched onto Savarino's corner with a low volley from the edge of the 18-yard box that flew into the bottom-left corner.

Venezuela international winger Savarino doubled the lead by firing a first-time effort past goalkeeper Agustin Rossi after Jeffinho's slide-rule pass.

"We played well as a team and we deserved the result but as far as I'm concerned it's just one victory," Botafogo manager Artur Jorge told reporters after the match.

"I can understand that this is an important rivalry and for our fans the result could have a wider impact. Having said that, our aim is always to win, irrespective of who we are playing against."

The result leaves Botafogo with nine points from four games, a point ahead of second-placed Atletico Mineiro. Flamengo is eighth, two points further back.

In other Brazilian Serie A fixtures on Sunday, Cruzeiro won 3-1 at home to Vitoria, Corinthians cruised to a 3-0 home victory over Fluminense, Fortaleza drew 1-1 at home to Bragantino, Athletico Paranaense drew 1-1 at Juventude and Atletico Goianiense drew 1-1 at Internacional.