Brazilian Serie A wrap:

Sao Paulo defeated Cruzeiro 2-1 on Saturday to close within a point of Brazil Serie A leaders Corinthians, while Vasco de Gama also won.

Hosts Sao Paulo – playing their first match under caretaker manager Milton Cruz – led from the 21st minute of the match at Estadio Cicero Pompeu de Toledo through a goal from forward Dagoberto.

Midfielder Marlos doubled the lead a minute into the second half.

Although Wallyson pulled one back for the visitors with 19 minutes to go, Sao Paulo held out to record their sixth win from nine matches this season.

It was a welcome return to form for Sao Paulo, who sacked manager Paulo

Cesar Carpegiani on Thursday after three-straight defeats.

Corinthians remain top by one point, with two games in hand over second-placed Sao Paulo.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Internacional lost ground on the leaders after they went down 2-0 away to Vasco da Gama.

Striker Eder Luis opened the scoring for the hosts 25 minutes in at Estadio Sao Januario.

But Internacional remained in the hunt, until defender Dede struck with eight minutes left to seal the win for Vasco.

They are now seventh with 14 points, just one point back from fourth-placed Internacional.

Finally, the league’s bottom side, Atletico Paranaense, played out a goalless draw at home to second-bottom Avai.

Both clubs are yet to win this season.