Kevin Viveros strikes twice as Athletico Paranaense extend unbeaten run to nine | OneFootball

Athletico Paranaense beat Botafogo 3-2 in Rio to extend their Brasileirão unbeaten run to nine and remain third on 44 points.

In the 11th minute João Cruz headed in from the centre of the box to put the visitors ahead. Kevin Viveros doubled the lead (13.) before adding a clinical second on the break (78.) from Kerwin Vargas' pass, moving to 16 goals and top of the Brasileirão scoring chart.

Santos made key saves before the break as Fogão piled on pressure, twice denying Nahuel Ferraresi from headers. Athletico-PR's back line stood firm with repeated clearances as the hosts kept swinging in deliveries.

After Vargas' half time introduction, Athletico-PR found more joy in transition, with the substitute creating the third and stretching Glorioso on the counter.

Santiago Mariano Rodriguez Molina sparked late hope with a drive from distance (85.). Santiago Rodríguez then struck again in the second minute of stoppage time, turning in Danilo's knockdown after a corner.

Fogão registered 33 attempts and 13 corners as they dominated territory. Athletico-PR were ruthlessly efficient, hitting the target with six of their seven attempts and producing 44 clearances behind six saves from Santos.

Next, Fogão visit Flamengo. Athletico-PR host Fluminense.