Standout figure edges it for Palmeiras with a ruthless first half finish | OneFootball

José Manuel Lopez settled a tight night in the 21st minute with a left-footed finish, as Palmeiras won 1-0 at RB Bragantino. The forward's strike proved the difference between the sides.

Lopez burst into the centre to meet Ramón Sosa's pass and guided the ball into the bottom left (21.). The timing of his run separated the centre-backs and gave Palmeiras the platform they needed.

He kept asking questions after the opener. He glanced a header wide from an Andreas Pereira set piece (29.). After the restart he slipped Sosa into space for a shot that Tiago Volpi saved (50.), showing he could create as well as finish.

Flaco Lopez finished with two attempts, one on target, three successful dribbles and four successful final third passes, underpinning Verdão's direct outlet up front. He made way (58.) after drawing two fouls and setting the game's pressing tone.

Because Palestra were set to spring quickly when possession turned over, his near-post movements kept Braga's defence off balance and opened receiving lanes. That pressure pushed Massa Bruta deeper and helped protect the advantage.

Verdão host Santos next. Massa Bruta visit Chapecoense next.