RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Former Juventus midfielder Hernanes set up both his team's goals as Sao Paulo defeated Santos 2-1 in their Brazilian Serie A clash on Saturday.
Marcos Guilherme opened the scoring for the hosts at the Pacaembu stadium by lashing a shot past goalkeeper Vanderlei after a Hernanes through ball.
Peru international midfielder Christian Cueva doubled the lead shortly with a neat finish after another Hernanes assist.
The visitors pulled a goal back when midfielder Alison blasted a long-range shot into the top corner.
Having battled to stay out of the relegation zone for most of the season, Sao Paulo could still secure a top-six place at the end of the season, a result that would secure the Tricolor a berth in next year's Copa Libertadores.
Saturday's result lifted the club to 11th in the 20-team standings with seven-and-a-half rounds remaining, seven points behind sixth-placed Botafogo, who have a game in hand.
In other fixtures on Saturday, Flamengo drew 0-0 at home to Vasco da Gama and Chapecoense held Atletico Paranaense to a goalless draw in Chapeco.
