Belo Horizonte (Brazil), Aug 3 (IANS): Corinthians have extended their unbeaten run to 18 matches with a 2-0 away victory over Atletico Mineiro in Brazil's Serie A football championship.

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 here on Wednesday evening, reports Xinhua news agency.

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.