Palmeiras pound Ponte and take the Paulista

 

Palmeiras became the new champions of the Campeonato Paulista after they crushed Ponte Preta 5×0 in the estádio Palestra Itália.

1×0 up from the first leg, Palmeiras were always in the driving seat. But an early own goal by the unfortunate Ricardo Conceição, and then a header from Alex Mineiro put the game well beyond Ponte.

Palmeiras cruised in the second-half before a late flourish saw them put away three more including two from Alex Mineiro, which made him the competition’s top scorer with 15 goals.

The win was Palmeiras’ twenty-second triumph in the competition and also ended a twelve year spell without success in the Paulista. Incidently, the last time the Palestra Itália side won the trophy, none other than Vanderlei Luxemburgo was in charge. 

See the goal action here

Trouble inside and around the ground spoiled the occasion as fans clashed with the heavily armoured riot police on duty.

The victory marked yet another landmark in the career of coach Luxemburgo. The Palmeiras manager made it three wins in a row in the Paulista following two successful years at Santos.  

The day was also special for midfielder Valdívia who finally rid himself of his awful semi-mullet which he’s had for the best part of ten years. On Monday, the former Chile international is likely to be voted the player of the Paulista. Despite all the diving and playacting, this is an accolade he deserves.

Ponte had done exceptionally well to get to the finals on a limited budget. But now the club faces another tough season in Série B of the Campeonato Brasileiro as the exodus of their best players is certain to begin.

As for Palmeiras, they will start next weekend’s national championship as the favourites and with Luxemburgo at the helm; there could be more silverware at the Palestra Itália by December.