Only 3 points behind Grêmio

By: Lucas | September 14th, 2008

diego souza In a clash involving old Palestras Itália - in early 20th century both clubs were italians communities - Palmeiras was the winner beating Cruzeiro by 1-0.

Now SE Palmeiras is in 2nd place with 46 points only 3 points behind Grêmio FBPA that lost to Goiás EC at home on Saturday by 1-2.

Cruzeiro was debuting Thiago Ribeiro who came from Qatar’s Al-Rayyan. Unusually Palmeiras showed up with 3 centre-backs, 6 IN THE MIDFIELD! liberating both full-backs with Léo Lima and Sandro Silva as defensive midfielders; Diego Souza and Evandro (who played terribly) as attacking midfielders and only Lenny as striker. Palmeiras couldn’t count with Kléber and our topscorer Alex Mineiro ‘cos their suspensions

The match started pretty good with both teams playing well but at 30′ Élder Granja had crossed to Lenny who shot away missing a huge chance.

At 42′ Diego Souza had received a great pass from Jumar and put it in the back of the net.

At 45′ Ramires had passed to Wagner face-to-face with Marcos missed the opportunity.

At 55′ Wagner had free-kicked and T. Ribeiro deflected it with danger.

At 57′ T. Martinelli had been in front of Marcos and the cruzeirense shot Marcos couldn’t get the ball but L. Lima saved us over the line goal.

At 59′ Stupidly Heber Lopes sent off Lenny for tackling T. Martinelli even not touch him.

At 90+1′ T. Ribeiro had given a great shoot who Marcos made a beautiful defense.

We had won ‘cos Marcos showed football of a world champion. The big goalkeeper doesn’t make many defenses. Is that one who made the game’s defense and it was what he did. The last defense remembered me that one against Germany in the World Cup’s final in 2002. I’m very glad for betting on him and on his recovery.

Luxemburgo’s speech after match

On Wednesday Palmeiras is gonna face Vasco da Gama at home for Sudamericana Cup that we lost away for 3-1 but i think we’ll win Vasco even with 2nd team.

D. Souza’s goal

CRUZEIRO 0 v.1 PALMEIRAS

Cruzeiro: Fábio, Jonathan (Camilo 61′), T. Martinelli, Espinoza and Fernandinho (Wanderley 84′); Fabrício, Henrique, Ramires and Wagner; Jajá (G. Magrão 82′) and T. Ribeiro.
Coach: A. Batista
Subs not used:
Booked: Fabrício and Camilo

Palmeiras: Marcos, Gustavo, Maurício and Martinez; E. Granja, S. Silva, L. Lima (Jumar 72′), Evandro (Gladstone 84′), D. Souza (T. Cunha 72′) and Leandro; Lenny.
Coach: V. Luxemburgo
Subs not used: Deola, F. Capixaba, Maicossuel and Jefferson
Booked: Lenny, Gustavo, Maurício, Martinez and L. Lima
Sent off: Lenny
Goal: D. Souza 42′

Venue: Mineirão
Referee: Héber Lopes (PR)
Attendance: unrevealed