RIO DE JANEIRO, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Reigning champions Botafogo rose to sixth in Brazil's Serie A standings on Wednesday with a 3-2 home victory over Ceara.

Gonzalo Mastriani gave the hosts the lead by tapping home from close range on the stroke of halftime before Pedro Raul equalized with a first-time effort from the edge of the six-yard box.

Former Manchester United full-back Alex Telles restored Botafogo's lead from the penalty spot and Marlon Freitas made it 3-1 with a low finish into the far corner.

Raul reduced the deficit by heading into the top-right corner after Fabiano Souza's cross.

The result leaves Botafogo with 18 points from 11 outings, six points behind leaders Flamengo. Ceara is 10th in the 20-team standings, three points further back. ■