Palmeiras and Vasco settled for a point apiece as the game ended 1-1 at the Allianz Parque on Tuesday night.
Despite playing with their reserve squad due to their Libertadores final against Santos on Saturday in mind, the home side managed to open up the scoring in the first half through Breno before Benitez equalized for Vasco five minutes later.
Vasco created the first goal scoring opportunity of the match and scored but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Léo Matos got on the mark with a header following a Benítez freekick in the 7th minute, but upon review by VAR, his goal was disallowed for going inches wide.
Palmeiras had a quick response but Felipe Melo failed to get on his effort on target. Breno Lopes came very close for Verdão again in the 22nd minute. The midfielder stole a pass from Ricardo Graça after a back pass from Bruno Gomes but Vasco goalkeeper Fernando Miguel managed to keep the ball out.
In the 31st minute, Breno Lopes finally got his goal and put Palmeiras in the lead after a fine finish from a Gustavo Scarpa pass following a counter. However, the hosts’ lead was short lived as Benítez scored a freekick five minutes later to level matters going into the break.
In the second half, Vasco came out stronger with the aim of grabbing the victory. They threatened more than their opening 45 minutes of the game and had a big chance to complete their come back with substitute Pec Gabriel but all of their efforts proved futile.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw and a result that has now seen Palmeiras go three games without a win. Verdão remain in fifth place while Vasco moves further away from the relegation battle with a point gained.
Both teams return to action in the weekend with Palmeiras facing Santos on Saturday for the Libertadores final and Vasco hosting Bahia on Sunday in their next league fixture.
