Viveros brace sees Paranaense past Botafogo

Colombian winger Kevin Viveros scored twice as Athletico Paranaense edged to a 3-2 away win over Botafogo in Brazil's Serie A on Monday.

Joao Cruz opened the scoring for the visitors with an early header and Viveros doubled the lead with a clinical finish after combining with Dantas.

Viveros made it 3-0 in the 78th minute when he slotted a low shot into the far corner following Kerwin Vargas' pass on the counterattack.

Uruguayan midfielder Santiago Rodriguez gave Botafogo a glimmer of hope with two late goals, including a dipping effort from distance, but Paranaense held on to secure its 13th win of the campaign.

The Curitiba-based club is now third with 44 points from 24 games, 14 points ahead of 11th-placed Botafogo.