Rio de Janeiro: Alexandre Pato struck an 88th-minute winner as Sao Paulo defeated Santos 2-1 in Brazil`s Serie A championship.
Paulo Henrique Ganso gave the hosts an early lead at the Morumbi stadium Sunday by hooking an unstoppable left-footed shot over his right shoulder after Alan Kardec`s assist, reports Xinhua.
Seventeen-year-old Gabriel appeared to secure a point for Santos when he converted a penalty kick after Rildo was brought down by Alvaro Pereira.
But Pato regained Sao Paulo`s lead two minutes later by bundling in from close range after having a first attempt saved.
The result left Sao Paulo second in the standings with 32 points while Santos slipped to 10th, nine points further back.
"We have made a big effort in attack and are managing to score goals. That`s what we`re here to do," a delighted Pato said after the match.
The former AC Milan striker now has six goals and an assist from 15 matches in Brazil`s top-flight this season.
In other fixtures Sunday, Flamengo beat Criciuma 2-0, Fluminense routed Sport 4-0, Gremio overcame Corinthians 2-1, Figueirense won 1-0 at Vitoria, Bahia held Atletico Paranaense 0-0 and Cruzeiro won 1-0 at Goias.
IANS
First Published: Monday, August 25, 2014, 16:28
