Roque Brace Strengthens Palmeiras' Title Charge
Vitor Roque scored twice in the second half as Palmeiras secured a 2-0 victory over Santos, extending their lead atop Brazil's Serie A on Thursday.
Match Highlights
Roque opened the scoring in the 67th minute at Allianz Parque by receiving a pass from Juan Manuel Lopez, outpacing goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao, and finishing into an empty net. The former Barcelona forward then sealed the win 10 minutes before full time, lifting a precise shot over Brazao following a setup from Rafael Veiga.
Impact on the League Standings
With this win, Palmeiras reached 68 points, three points clear of second-place Flamengo. Both clubs have seven matches remaining this season.
Manager’s Remarks
"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."
Other Results in Brazil's Serie A
- Ceara drew 1-1 at home against Fortaleza.
- Fluminense won 1-0 at home against Mirassol.
Summary: Vitor Roque's second-half goals propelled Palmeiras to a crucial win, reinforcing their lead in Brazil's Serie A as title contenders.