Campeonato Paulista: Palmeiras 2 Paulista 1

Palmeiras have moved into sixth position in the Campeonato Paulista after a 2-1 victory over Paulista, who finished with nine men.

Vilson scored the winner for the home team on Thursday with a header just before half-time but despite Paulista losing two players to red cards, Palmeiras could consider themselves lucky after the visitors hit the woodwork twice.

Renato Ribeiro was the first Paulista player sent off, sliding into the back off an opponent after he lost possession in first-half injury time, while Matheus picked up yellow cards in the 36th and 58th minutes to earn an early shower.

Paulista hit the post with a direct free-kick in the first half and then again after the break but Palmeiras held on in defence to pick up their fifth win of the 2013 campaign, moving above Corinthians on the table.

Palmeiras took the lead in the second minute when Paulista defender Drausio headed a corner into his own net but the visitors were level just before the 15-minute mark when Marcelo Macedo produced a sharp finish in the box.

Despite Palmeiras’ appeals for offside, Matheus’ pass found Macedo in line with his marker and the 30-year-old striker turned and shot in one motion to make the score 1-1.

But Vilson’s header from Patrick Marins Viera’s cross in the 45th minute ensured Palmeiras extended their unbeaten run to eight games.