Roque brace strengthens Palmeiras title charge
SAO PAULO, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) – Vitor Roque scored two second-half goals as Palmeiras extended its lead at the top of Brazil's Serie A with a 2-0 home victory over Santos.
Roque opened the scoring in the 67th minute at Allianz Parque by receiving a pass from Juan Manuel Lopez, outrunning goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao, and calmly finishing into an empty net. The former Barcelona forward secured the win with a second goal 10 minutes before full time, skillfully lifting a shot over Brazao after a pass from Rafael Veiga.
With this result, Palmeiras now have 68 points, three more than second-placed Flamengo, with both teams having seven games remaining.
Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira said, “In the first half we weren't able to translate our dominance into goals. But that changed after halftime. With the changes that we made, we had great energy and looked to score at every opportunity. It's a deserved victory.”
Other Serie A results
- Ceara was held to a 1-1 home draw by Fortaleza.
- Fluminense edged Mirassol 1-0 at home.
Vitor Roque’s decisive performance keeps Palmeiras firmly on course for the Serie A title as they strengthen their lead with a solid win.