Rio de Janeiro, Oct 14 (IANS): Botafogo rallied from behind to defeat Flamengo 2-1 and rise to second spot in the Campeonato Brasileiro football.

Rafael Marques struck the winner in the 63rd minute after Gege canceled out Hernane's opener at the Maracana Stadium Sunday, reports Xinhua.

The result lifted Botafogo to within 10 points of league leaders Cruzeiro, who lost 0-1 to their Belo Horizonte rivals Atletico Mineiro for their second straight defeat.

"Cruzeiro have a very strong team and have worked extremely well together, but we know it's very difficult to maintain the level they have," Botafogo coach Oswaldo de Oliveira said after the match.

"They have lost their past two games to quality opponents. Obviously I hope it happens again so that we can get even closer. But I think it will be difficult. Cruzeiro deserve to be in the position they are in, but we are going to fight and there is still time for us."

In other matches Sunday, Goias beat Bahia 3-1, Atletico Paranaense overcame Portuguesa 1-0, Criciuma defeated Vasco da Gama 3-2, Internacional routed Nautico 4-1 while Sao Paulo drew 0-0 with Corinthians.