RIO DE JANEIRO, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Luiz Henrique struck a first-half winner as Botafogo maintained their lead at the top of Brazil's Serie A championship on Saturday with a 1-0 home victory over Internacional.

Henrique put his side ahead just before halftime when he met Cuiabano's cross from the left wing with a superb first-time effort that beat goalkeeper Sergio Rochet at his near post.

The result at Rio de Janeiro's Olympic stadium leaves Botafogo with 39 points from 18 games, ahead of second-placed Palmeiras. Internacional are 13th in the 20-team standings with 19 points.

"It was a very tricky game," Botafogo manager Artur Jorge said. "They [Internacional] haven't had positive results and had a change of manager during the week. We had to be well-prepared and show a high level of maturity to control the game from start to finish."

Elsewhere, Flamengo won 2-1 at home to Criciuma, while Palmeiras eased to a 2-0 home win over Cruzeiro. Enditem

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