Rio de Janeiro, Feb 8 (IANS): Former AC Milan and Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf continued his prolific goal-scoring form as Botafogo rallied to defeat Resende 4-2 in Rio's Campeonato Carioca.

Resende led 2-0 late in the first half but goals from Seedorf, Marcio Azevedo, Cidinho and Sassa ensured victory for Botafogo at the Engenhao Stadium Thursday, reports Xinhua.

Seedorf, 36, has now scored four goals in his past two matches, having netted a hat-trick in his team's 3-1 win over Macae Sunday.

"We can't afford to start matches so slowly," said the former Dutch international, who is relishing the advanced playmaker role accorded to him by Botafogo coach Oswaldo de Oliveira.

"We responded well after conceding two early goals but we have to learn to start matches with more conviction," he added.

In Sao Paulo's Campeonato Paulista, Marcio Araujo and Henrique struck first-half goals as Palmeiras overcame Atletico Sorocaba at the Pacaembu Stadium.