Roque Brace Strengthens Palmeiras Title Charge
SAO PAULO, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) — Vitor Roque struck twice in the second half as Palmeiras widened their advantage atop Brazil’s Serie A with a 2-0 victory over Santos at Allianz Parque.
The breakthrough came in the 67th minute when Roque latched onto Juan Manuel Lopez’s precise pass, rounded goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao, and calmly finished into an open net. Ten minutes later, the former Barcelona forward sealed the result by lofting the ball over Brazao after a well-timed through pass from Rafael Veiga.
This win lifts Palmeiras to 68 points, three ahead of second-placed Flamengo, with both sides having seven matches remaining in the league campaign.
“In the first half we weren't able to translate our dominance into goals,” said Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira. “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.”
Elsewhere in Thursday's Serie A action, Ceara drew 1-1 at home with Fortaleza, while Fluminense secured a narrow 1-0 win against Mirassol.
Author’s Summary
Vitor Roque’s clinical double lifted Palmeiras to a decisive 2-0 win over Santos, reinforcing their push for another Serie A title lead with seven games left in Brazil’s top flight.