It had all started well for Palmeiras with the pace of Luan and Maikon Leite causing problems for the América defence from the off. Indeed, it was only some excellent anticipation from goalkeeper Neneca was keeping the scores level.
In a sign of things to come, the experienced Marcos Assunção rattled the crossbar after thirteen minutes with a trademark thunderbolt free-kick and it was in this manner that the veteran opened the scoring midway through the half.
From a narrow angle on the left, the midfielder’s cheeky attempt at goal took a flick off a defender’s head and looped over Neneca into the far corner of the net. Palmeiras were ahead and given América’s league form, were expected to consolidate a comfortable victory.
Palmeiras have had a problem dealing with crosses though this campaign and it was to be their downfall once more heading into the break. A cross from the right was flicked on by a head in the middle, landing at the feet of the unmarked Kempes at the back post. The dreadlocked striker made no mistake, lashing home with his second touch.
América boss Gilvanildo Oliveira gambled and brought on the experienced Fábio Júnior at the break and the move almost paid dividends in the opening minute of the second half, when only a fantastic Deola save denied the striker a quick goal.
Next it was Amaral’s turn to go close for América, when his long-range effort caused a fright for the Palmeiras faithful, with Deola’s glovework all array when the shot came in.
Mauricio Ramos had a header cleared off the line for Scolari’s men, whilst Chilean playmaker Valdivia fired just over the bar, but there was still a threat of an América winner at the other end.
The match came to its end and the Palmeiras boss will have been relieved to escape with a point from what should have been a straightforward match. Felipão and his players left the pitch to a chorus of boos, whilst his position looks yet more unstable, given the Paulista side’s terrible recent form.
