Palmeiras' 19 shots secure a 2-0 win over Sao Paulo

Palmeiras take control before the break

Palmeiras defeated Sao Paulo 2-0 at Allianz Parque on Saturday, September 12, earning the points in Serie A Round 27. The hosts led at half-time and completed a controlled victory after Sao Paulo were reduced to 10 men before the interval.

Sao Paulo received the first booking when Pablo Maia was cautioned in the 12th minute. The major turning point came in the 39th minute, when Luis Osorio Messias De Oliveira was sent off. Palmeiras used the numerical advantage quickly. Murilo Cerqueira Paim scored in the 45th minute, giving the home side a 1-0 lead at the break. Gustavo Gómez and Agustin Giay were also booked in the same minute.

Roque doubles the advantage

Palmeiras made two changes at half-time, with Arthur Gabriel replacing Joaquín Piquerez and Khellven Douglas Silva Oliveira coming on for Agustin Giay. Khellven then supplied the assist for Vitor Roque, who scored in the 50th minute to make it 2-0.

Sao Paulo responded with three changes in the 64th minute. Artur Victor Guimarães, Iago Amaral Borduchi and Danielzinho entered for Andre Silva, Wendell and Djhordney Ferreira. Those changes did not produce a goal, and Palmeiras protected its advantage through the remainder of the match. Murilo was booked in the 76th minute, while Larson Torna Ferreira dos Santos received a yellow card in the 85th.

The numbers show Palmeiras' control

Palmeiras dominated possession at 58% and completed 458 accurate passes from 527 total, compared with Sao Paulo's 335 accurate passes from 400. The home side also created the greater volume of opportunities: 19 total shots to eight, 12 shots inside the box to four, and seven shots on goal to two. Sao Paulo's five goalkeeper saves kept the margin from growing, while Carlos Miguel made two saves for Palmeiras.

The scoreline reflected the balance of play rather than a narrow contest. Palmeiras also led 9-6 on corners, although Sao Paulo won more free kicks, 21-12. The visitors committed fewer fouls, 12 to 21, but their red card left them facing the second half a player short.

Three points strengthen Palmeiras' position

Palmeiras entered the match second with 53 points from 26 games, a 15-8-3 record and a goal difference of 24. The win adds three points to that total after 27 matches. Sao Paulo began the round 10th on 33 points from 25 games, with nine wins, six draws and 10 losses; the defeat leaves them with 33 points after 26 matches.

Vitor Roque was the standout performer, receiving a 7.9 rating after playing all 90 minutes. His goal, two shots on target and two key passes underlined his influence in the decisive win.