RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Botafogo dealt a blow to Internacional's Brazilian Serie A title hopes with a 1-0 victory in their clash here on Sunday.
Forward Erik struck the winner for the hosts just before halftime by rifling a low shot past goalkeeper Marcelo Lomba following a Matheus Fernandes cross.
Internacional's frustration at failing to equalize boiled over when Wellington Silva and Rodrigo Moledo were sent off for rash challenges late in the match.
The result at the Nilton Santos stadium extended Botafogo's winning run to four straight games while Internacional have won just four of their past 11.
The Rio outfit are now ninth in the 20-team standings, having staved off the threat of relegation. Internacional are third, six points behind leaders Palmeiras with three games remaining in the season.
In other matches on Sunday, America Mineiro secured a 2-1 home victory over Santos, Palmeiras drew 1-1 at Parana, Sao Paulo won 1-0 at home to Cruzeiro and hosts Gremio overcame Chapecoense 2-0.
