Palmeiras took advantage of the Atlético-MG draw, the only team that could overtake him this Thursday (21), to take the lead in the Brazilian Championship. Verdão beat América-MG 1-0 at Independência, in Belo Horizonte, for the 18th round of the competition.
The São Paulo team was 36 points ahead, four ahead of Corinthians and Galo, who drew 1-1 with Cuiabá, at Arena Pantanal, in the capital of Mato Grosso. With that, Abel Ferreira’s team secured, one round in advance, the symbolic title of the first round of the Brazilian. Coelho, with the defeat, continues with 19 points, opening the relegation zone, in 17th place.
The first half was even. Palmeiras had possession of the ball the longest (53%), but América shot more times (eight to five), despite each team hitting the opposing goal just once. Verdão even swung the nets in the 24th minute, but Wesley’s goal was annulled due to an offside from fellow striker Dudu.
Alviverde had control of the actions in the final stage. The pressure paid off in the 19th minute, with Gustavo Scarpa. The midfielder received on the right and hit crossed, placed, with no chance for goalkeeper Matheus Cavichioli. The visiting team still had chances to increase the advantage, with midfielder Zé Rafael and rookie striker Flaco Lopez, twice each, but the score did not change further.
The two teams return to the field this Sunday (24). Palmeiras plays at 16:00 (Brasília time), at Allianz Parque, in São Paulo, against Internacional. Then, at 6 pm, América faces Atlético-GO at Antônio Accioly Stadium, in Goiânia. The matches are valid for the 19th round, the last of the Brazilian’s first round.
