Thiago Humberto scored twice while Marcos Pimentel and Fernandinho added a goal each for the winners.

Striker Diego Tardelli hit a brace in the final 20 minutes for Atletico Mineiro.

The visitors finished the match with nine men after Werley and Evandro were both sent off and the decision sparked anger from the Atletico Mineiro players.

"He (the referee) sanctioned every tackle as a foul and he also sent off two players," said Diego Tardelli. "Sooner or later we were going to lose but not like this. This wasn't the best way to do it."

Inter from Porto Alegre can take over Atletico Mineiro at the top if they beat Coritiba today.

Gremio Barueri, on the other hand, are in third place with 13 points - four less than the leaders.

Meanwhile, Goias destroyed Botafogo 4-1 to climb up to sixth place.

Felipe Menezes put the visitors ahead but Victor Simoes equalised before the break. However, in the second half Rafael Toloi, Felipe and Iarley struck to secure the victory for Goias.

Helio Dos Anjos' side have 11 points and are alongside Corinthians, who lost 1-0 with Atletico Paranaense.

Timao coach Mano Menezes decided to field a reserve side as he looks to rest his key players for next week's Copa do Brasil fixture.

Elsewhere, Sao Paulo recorded their second victory in the competition as they surpassed Nautico 2-0 at Morumbi stadium.

Jean Rolt and Hernanes scored to ensure Ricardo Gomes made a winning start as Sao Paulo coach.

Finally, Cruzeiro defeated Avai 1-0 with Ze Carlos scoring the only goal of the game five minutes before the break.