RIO DE JANEIRO, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Teenage striker Gabriel Veron struck a second-half winner as Palmeiras returned to Brazil's Serie A summit on Monday with a 1-0 home victory over Cuiaba.
Veron broke the deadlock just after halftime when he ran onto Mayke's perfectly weighted through ball and calmly slotted a left-footed shot into the far corner.
Palmeiras looked comfortable thereafter, dominating possession and rarely being troubled in defense, as they eased to their ninth win of the campaign.
The result saw Palmeiras displace Atletico Mineiro at the top of the 20-team standings with 33 points from 17 matches. Cuiaba are 15th, 14 points further back.
Palmeiras will meet America Mineiro away from home in their next league clash on Thursday while Cuiaba will host Atletico Mineiro the same day. ■