Santa Cruz defeats Palmeiras

After seeing its eleven-game unbeaten streak end last Sunday against Cruzeiro, Palmeiras lost its second straight game on Thursday, falling 3-2 away to Santa Cruz. The result leaves the team with 30 points, the same number of points as Goias - currently in 17th place and thus in the first relegation spot. Santa Cruz is still in last place, but has jumped to 21 points.

The locals started the game playing better, and opened the score after just 16 minutes, on a free kick taken by Paulo Rodrigues. Palmeiras gradually improved, but only tied the game in the second half, when Juninho scored four minutes after the break. Three minutes later, however, Santa Cruz scored again on a penalty kick converted by Nene. In the 59th minute, Jorge Henrique made it 3-1, and the visitors all but gave up. Roger would still score in the 79th minute, but that was not enough to prevent Santa Cruz from finally winning a game after a ten-match winless streak and five straight losses. Palmeiras will now play Sao Paulo on the local derby on Sunday, while Santa Cruz hosts Juventude.

In the other match played on Thursday, Flamengo obtained its third straight win, beating Cruzeiro 1-0 at home. The only goal of the game was scored by Renato in the 32nd minute, taking advantage of a cross from left wing to put the ball into the net. The result leaves the popular team from Rio de Janeiro ith 33 points in the standings, just one behind Cruzeiro and three clear of the relegation zone. Flamengo will face Santos away on Sunday, while Cruzeiro travels to Campinas to play Ponte Preta.