With a goal by Raphael Veiga in the latter stages of the game, Verdao beat Athletico by 1-0 on Wednesday night, at Arena da Baixada for the fourth round of the Brazilian Championship.
The win was significant for Palmeiras as it was their first three points picked up in the campaign.
The game, in general, was very weak, without much creativity and urgency from both sides on the evening. Athletico barely showed they were in the game and paid for it at the stroke of the game. It means they have now lost for the second straight game after starting the tournament brightly with two wins.
Athletico and Palmeiras made an initial stage of very little action. Both teams had a hard time creating goal chances, leaving the game boring and one-sided. In the 18th minute of the first half, Athletico created the real dangerous chance of the half but Lucas Halter headed very badly.
The second half saw Palmeiras score a goal in the 61st minute through Lucas Lima but it was eventually cancelled after there appeared to be an offside. Just when the game looked like it was headed for a draw, Palmeiras eventually got the winner. Raphael Veiga took advantage of the over the area and hit, with no chance for the goalkeeper. A crucial goal and win for Verdao.
The victory takes Palmeiras to five points in eighth place, with one game less than most rivals. Athletico, in four matches, have six points won and are currently in fifth place.
Athletico returns to the field for the Brasileirão next Saturday in a crunch clash with Fluminense at Arena da Baixada. On Sunday, Palmeiras will face Santos in a game that was transferred to Morumbi due to an event in the arena.
