Two Corinthians players sent off in 2-0 defeat by Palmeiras

Soccer Football - Brasileiro Championship - Corinthians v Palmeiras - Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo, Brazil - September 10, 2020 Corinthians' Jo shakes hands with Palmeiras' Ramires after the match, following the resumption of play behind closed doors after the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

A goal in each half, coupled with the early sending off of Corinthians full back Fagner, helped Palmeiras to an easy 2-0 win over their arch rivals in Sao Paulo on Thursday night.

Fagner was sent off for hand ball inside the box four minutes before half time and Luiz Adriano made no mistake from the spot to put the visitors 1-0 up.

Teenage striker Gabriel Veron doubled their lead 19 minutes into the second half when he finished off a flowing move.

Soccer Football - Brasileiro Championship - Corinthians v Palmeiras - Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo, Brazil - September 10, 2020 Corinthians' Jo in action with Palmeiras' Gabriel Menino, following the resumption of play behind closed doors after the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

Any hopes Corinthians had of a comeback were ended five minutes from time when Danilo Avelar was also shown a red card for a second bookable offence.

Palmeiras remain the only unbeaten team in Brazil’s Serie A and now sit in fourth place in the 20-team table with 16 points from eight games, four behind leaders Internacional, who have played a game more.

Corinthians are in 13th with nine points from eight matches.

Soccer Football - Brasileiro Championship - Corinthians v Palmeiras - Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo, Brazil - September 10, 2020 Corinthians' Danilo Avelar walks off dejected as he is shown a red card by referee Leandro Vuaden, following the resumption of play behind closed doors after the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

(Reporting by Andrew Downie; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)