Palmeiras turn 57% possession into a 4-1 win over Vasco DA Gama

Palmeiras defeated Vasco DA Gama 4-1 at Nubank Parque on Sunday, securing a convincing Serie A victory in Regular Season - 24. The home side broke the deadlock early in the second half and pulled away through J. Lopez, Vitor Roque and Mauricio before F. Colidio scored a late consolation for Vasco DA Gama.

Palmeiras take control after the interval

The match was goalless before halftime, with Palmeiras making a change at the break as Murilo replaced A. Barboza in the 46th minute. One minute later, J. Lopez opened the scoring, finishing a move assisted by Allan Elias.

Palmeiras doubled their advantage in the 51st minute when Vitor Roque converted a penalty. Mauricio then made it 3-0 in the 56th minute, with Andreas Pereira providing the assist. Vasco DA Gama made three changes between the 58th and 65th minutes, but Palmeiras remained in control. Felipe Anderson replaced Allan Elias for the hosts in the 71st minute.

J. Lopez completed his brace in the 89th minute after being set up by J. Arias. Vasco DA Gama responded immediately, with F. Colidio scoring in the 90th minute, but the goal only reduced the margin as Palmeiras finished 4-1 winners.

Possession and finishing tell the story

Palmeiras held 57% possession and completed 440 passes to Vasco DA Gama's 329, with 380 accurate passes compared with 281. They also produced more total shots, 12 to 9, and had the advantage in shots on target, 4-2, corners, 5-3, and expected goals, 1.60 to 0.77.

The scoreline was more emphatic than the overall shot difference might suggest: Vasco DA Gama still attempted nine shots, including five off target and six from inside the box. Palmeiras' four goals came from only four shots on target, underlining their more productive finishing. The visitors also committed 16 fouls, twice Palmeiras' total, while the hosts were flagged offside once compared with Vasco DA Gama's two occasions.

Discipline and league impact

Palmeiras' Marlon Freitas was booked in the ninth minute. Vasco DA Gama received yellow cards for A. Gomez in the 44th minute, Thiago Mendes in the 50th and Robert Renan in the 83rd. The result strengthens Palmeiras' position at the top of the supplied Serie A standings, where they were listed first with 48 points from 23 games. Vasco DA Gama remained listed 19th with 22 points from 22 matches, and this defeat added to a recent sequence containing losses and draws.

López leads the ratings

José Manuel López was the standout performer, earning an 8.2 rating after scoring twice in 82 minutes. Mauricio also impressed with a 7.7 rating, one goal and one shot on target, while Carlos Miguel recorded two saves and received the same rating.
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