RIO DE JANEIRO, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Substitute Jordan Barrera scored late as Botafogo earned a 1-1 draw at Sao Paulo in Brazil's Serie A on Saturday.
The hosts took the lead in the third minute when Luciano Neves pounced on a loose ball to fire in from inside the six-yard box.
Colombian midfielder Barrera, who replaced Kauan Toledo in the 65th minute, equalized by controlling a clearance with his chest before sending a dipping 20-yard volley into the top-right corner.
"It was a difficult match and an important draw," Barrera said after the match. "We have to keep working for what's ahead. There are two games left before the World Cup break and we have to give our all to get the best possible results."
The result leaves Botafogo ninth with 22 points, three behind fourth-placed Sao Paulo.
In Rio de Janeiro, Palmeiras extended its lead in the 20-team standings with a 3-0 victory over 10-man Flamengo.
The hosts were reduced to 10 men in the 20th minute when Colombian playmaker Jorge Carrascal was shown a straight red card for a rash challenge on Murilo Cerqueira.
The visitors opened the scoring through Jose Manuel Lopez before Allan and Paulinho added second-half goals as Palmeiras secured its 11th win of the campaign.
The Sao Paulo-based club now has 38 points, seven ahead of second-placed Flamengo.
In other Brazilian top-flight fixtures on Saturday, Mirassol won 1-0 at home to Fluminense, Gremio clinched a 3-2 home win over Santos, and Vitoria prevailed 2-0 at home to Internacional. ■
