Palmeiras edge toward Copa do Brasil title

2021-03-01 03:05:45 GMT2021-03-01 11:05:45(Beijing Time) Xinhua English

RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- A first half-goal from Paraguay international center-back Gustavo Gomez handed 10-man Palmeiras a 1-0 win at Gremio in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil final on Sunday.

Gomez capitalized on Raphael Veiga's perfectly directed corner to send an unstoppable header past goalkeeper Paulo Victor just after the half-hour mark at Arena do Gremio.

The visitors suffered a blow in the 64th minute when defender Luan Garcia was shown a straight red card for a violent tackle on veteran striker Diego Souza.

But the Sao Paulo outfit defended resolutely thereafter as Gremio dominated possession but lacked a cutting edge in the final third.

The result means Palmeiras need only a draw in next Sunday's return leg at Allianz Parque to clinch the Copa do Brasil trophy for a fourth time. Enditem

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