Palmeiras beats Ponte Preta in first game of state finals

BRASILIA, April 27 (Xinhua) -- After 12 years of failure in wining the Sao Paulo state championship, Palmeiras on Sunday came one step closer to brining the trophy back.

With a score of 1-0 at Ponte Preta, Palmeiras only needs to tie or win next Sunday's in order to win the state title.

The team's captain, Marcos, said, "Today's celebration is only for the fans, not the players. We still have a lot of work to do. Only after we have won next Sunday and are able to lift up the trophy will we be able to celebrate."

In the 20th minute of the first half, it was Kleber who lit up the scoreboard. After a sloppy and unorganized beginning to the half, Palmeiras was able to set up a play off a corner kick. Leandro sent the ball into the penalty box and was able to find Kleber, who headed the ball into the back of the net.

It was the game's first and only goal. It was Palmeiras' 10th goal scored by way of a header this season.

With the backs against the wall, the team of Ponte Preta will need to win by a minimum of two goals next week in order to force a decision by way of penalties. Should they win by three goals, they would guarantee their first important trophy of the team's history.

The game will be held at the home of Palmeiras next Sunday.