Scolari's Palmeiras lose 4-2

New Palmeiras coach Luiz Felipe Scolari listens to journalists during his official presentation in Sao Paulo July 15, 2010.


RIO DE JANEIRO, July 18 -- In his return to Palmeiras as head coach, Luis Felipe Scolari suffered a disappointing 4-2 defeat on Sunday to Avai.

Scolari's loss marked the first since 2006 that a Palmeiras coach does not win his first match with the team.

Nearly 10 years after his departure from Palmeiras, Scolari re-claimed the title as head coach. Thousands of Palmeiras fans filled the stands of Avai's stadium, Ressacada, in Florianopolis of Santa Catarina.

Palmeiras jumped to a quick lead in the 11th minute. Avai goalkeeper Renan deflected a

Marcos Assuncao shot that rolled back to Gabriel Silva. Silva then slammed the ball between the legs of Renan and into the back of the net.

Avai responded in the 24th minute. Caio dribbled the ball down the field unmarked. With plenty of space, the striker skillfully placed the ball into the upper right corner of the Palmeiras goal from long-distance. The home team took the lead in the 40th minute when Roberto set up Robinho to tap in the team's second goal.

Palmeiras tied the match in the 52nd minute. The team was awarded a penalty kick after Emerson was penalized for holding on to Kleber's jersey in front of the goal. Kleber took the spot kick, sending the ball right down the middle of the goal.

In the 90th minute, Avai re-established the lead. The team was awarded a penalty kick after Leo knocked down Roberto inside the penalty box. Leo received his second yellow card and was sent off.

Caio stepped up to take the kick, firing it into the right side of the goal. The team then scored a fourth goal three minutes into extra time when Robert snuck behind the Palmeiras defense, gliding the ball into an empty net.

Palmeiras remains with 12 points in 11th place. Avai improves to sixth with 14 points. Scolari will look for his first win in the 10th round of the Brazilian Championship on July 22 when they host Botafogo. On the previous day, Avai travels to play Flamengo.
(Reuters)