RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Jose Lopez struck late as Palmeiras climbed to second in Brazil's Serie A championship on Monday with a 1-0 home victory over Cruzeiro.
The Argentine winger volleyed home in the 96th minute after latching onto Raphael Veiga's floating free-kick at Allianz Parque.
The result means defending champions Palmeiras now have 34 points from 19 outings, 13 points fewer than leaders Botafogo at the season's midway point.
Cruzeiro, who are winless in their past five league outings, are 12th in the 20-team standings with 24 points.
In Monday's only other Brazilian Serie A fixture, relegation-threatened Vasco da Gama drew 1-1 away to top-four aspirants Bragantino. ■
