América Mineiro and Ponte Preta met at the Estádio Raymundo Sampaio Independência Arena for matchday 25 of the Brazilian Série B. Both sides arrived at the bottom of the table with little to play for and much to lose. América sat 19th with 14 points from 25 games, Ponte Preta 20th with 10. The visitors had lost four of their last five matches before this one.
The first goal arrived just after half-time. Willian Bigode found space and finished at the 47th minute to give América the lead. To be fair, the hosts had been creating chances throughout - they would eventually register 12 shots on target. By then they had already established their dominance with 79 per cent possession.
The second goal came at the 59th minute through R. Pineiro. América kept their side in it through those early exchanges and then took control when it mattered. The hosts saw the game out with confidence, though Ponte Preta did earn one yellow card late on from G. Cicala at 90+7.
The statistics told the expected story. América enjoyed 79 per cent possession and created 6 big chances from 23 shots inside the penalty area. Their expected goals figure of 3.05 stood in stark contrast to Ponte Preta's 0.53. América registered 12 shots on target while Ponte Preta managed just 2 - a clear indication of where the chances went.
The result leaves América still 19th but breathing a little easier with three points added to their tally. Ponte Preta remain bottom after another defeat, their record now standing at just two wins in 25 games. América had lost four of their last five before this one, so the win matters more than the position.
