RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Raphael Veiga struck a first-half winner as Palmeiras moved to the top of Brazil's Serie A standings on Saturday with a 1-0 away win over Atletico Goianiense.
Veiga combined with teenager Estevao before finding the time and space in traffic to calmly slot his left-footed shot from 15 yards into the bottom left corner.
The result lifted Palmeiras to the top of the 20-team standings with 70 points, ahead of second-placed Botafogo on goal difference with three games remaining.
"It was a tough game against an opponent that had nothing to lose," Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira told a post-match news conference.
"We did what we needed to do today, but we now have to start thinking about our next match," he added, alluding to Tuesday's home clash against Botafogo.
"This was like a final but we have three more. We have maximum respect for Botafogo. They have a brilliant team, an excellent manager and great players. We have two full days to recover and get ourselves ready for the match."
Earlier, Botafogo was held to a 1-1 home draw by Vitoria, a result that extended the Rio de Janeiro club's winless run to three games.
In other Brazilian top-flight fixtures on Saturday, Sao Paulo drew 2-2 at home to Atletico Mineiro, and Juventude was held to a 1-1 home draw by Cuiaba. ■
