SAO PAULO, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Jhon Arias struck an early winner as Palmeiras extended its lead in Brazil's Serie A on Saturday with a 1-0 victory at Sao Paulo.

Arias put his side ahead in the sixth minute when he received the ball near the halfway line and dribbled 30 yards before cutting inside and lashing a low drive that beat goalkeeper Rafael at his near post.

The hosts dominated possession but could only manage two shots on target as they slipped to their second straight defeat.

Palmeiras now has a three-point lead over second-placed Sao Paulo with each team having played eight games.

Elsewhere, a first-half goal from Argentine striker Rodrigo Castillo gave Fluminense a 1-0 home win over Atletico Mineiro.

The result leaves Fluminense third in the 20-team standings, behind Sao Paulo on goal difference. Atletico Mineiro is 11th, eight points further back.

In Saturday's only other Brazilian top-flight fixture, Alexander Barboza struck late as Botafogo arrested a four-game losing run with a 2-1 victory at Bragantino.

Former Manchester United full-back Alex Telles opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Lucas Barbosa equalized with a close-range strike. ■