Sao Paulo rose to seventh in the Campeonato Brasileiro standings with a 2-1 victory over Portuguesa Saturday.
Rodrigo Caio and Aloisio struck either side of half time at the Morumbi stadium as Muricy Ramalho's team won their fourth consecutive match, reported Xinhua.
Having spent much of the season in the relegation zone, Sao Paulo are now in contention for a top four finish.
With six games remaining, they are six points shy of fourth-placed Atletico Paranaense, who have a game in hand.
The top four teams qualify for next year's Copa Libertadores, Latin America's most coveted club competition.
In other matches Saturday, Atletico Mineiro routed Nautico 5-0 and Vasco da Gama beat Coritiba 2-1.