Palmeiras draws with Oeste

Host to Oeste in the ninth round of the Sao Paulo state championship, Palmeiras struggled to a 1-1 draw on Thursday. Oeste scored the game's opening goal in the 11th minute after Palmeiras defender Marcio Araujo tackled Mazinho to the ground in front of the goal, resulting in a penalty kick. Mazinho successfully converted the shot, blowing the ball past keeper Bruno and into the lower left side of the goal. Palmerias tied the match just before entering halftime. In the 41st minute, recent arrival Barcos drove at shot directly at keeper Ze Carlos. Oeste's goalie could not handle the ball cleanly, allowing the rebound to roll to Maikon Leite who did not waste the opportunity to score. With solid defensive coverage from Oeste and a non-existent offensive game from Palmeiras, the game ended in a 1-1 draw. The result drops Palmeiras out of first place and into second place with 21 points. Corinthians assumes first place with 23 points. In the next round of play, Palmeiras will receive cross-town rival Sao Paulo on February 26 in the half-way point of the state tournament.