Palmeiras Ascend to Brazil's Serie A Leadership with Goals from Piquerez and Martinez
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On April 13, Uruguayan midfielders Joaquin Piquerez and Emiliano Martinez propelled Palmeiras to a 2-0 victory over Corinthians, placing the team at the top of Brazil's Serie A standings. Piquerez's long-range strike and Martinez's follow-up secured the win, giving Palmeiras seven points from three matches.
Key Takeaways
- Piquerez and Martinez lead Palmeiras to victory.
- Palmeiras tops Brazil's Serie A standings.
- Abel Ferreira emphasizes the need for outside shooting.
- Leandro Damiao announces retirement after 18 years.
- Palmeiras showcases dominant performance against Corinthians.
Rio de Janeiro, April 13 (NationPress) Uruguayan midfielders Joaquin Piquerez and Emiliano Martinez each netted first-half goals, propelling Palmeiras to the pinnacle of Brazil's Serie A standings following a 2-0 victory over Corinthians at home. Piquerez initiated the scoring with a long-range effort after linking up with Colombian midfielder Richard Rios, while Martinez extended the lead with another distant shot following a setup from Facundo Torres.
With this win on Saturday, Palmeiras now sits atop the table with seven points from three matches, one point ahead of second-placed Juventude. Corinthians currently occupies the seventh position, trailing by three points, as reported by Xinhua.
"We could have and should have scored two or three more goals," said Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira in a press conference. "It's unfortunate we didn’t secure a larger victory given our overall dominance in play."
"Teams are defending with a low line against us, and we need to have this option [of shooting from outside the box]. I’m pleased that the players have responded to my requests. We will only score if we take shots," he added.
In other matches of the Brazilian Serie A on Saturday, Vasco da Gama triumphed 3-1 at home against Sport Recife, Juventude achieved a 1-0 win at home over Ceara, and Bragantino secured a 1-0 home victory against Botafogo.
Meanwhile, in prelude to the weekend’s initial match, former Brazilian international striker Leandro Damiao declared his retirement from football on Friday after an impressive professional career lasting 18 years.
The 35-year-old, who earned 17 caps for the Brazilian national team, has been a free agent since parting ways with Brazilian Serie B club Coritiba last July.
"The time has come to hang up my boots," Damiao expressed in a social media announcement. "I am grateful to football for everything it has offered me. I was a boy from the outskirts of the city who never thought I would achieve this. Thank you to all who supported me."
Damiao began his career as a midfielder before transitioning into a center-forward famed for his dribbling and aerial prowess. His journey included stints at Internacional, Santos, Cruzeiro, Real Betis, Flamengo, and Kawasaki Frontale, among others.
