RIO DE JANEIRO, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Despite the sopping wet field, Palmeiras won their first match under head coach Muricy Ramalho on Wednesday, beating Fluminense 1-0 at home in the Brazilian soccer championship.

    The weather did not contribute to make the match an elegant display of abilities. With players slipping, erring passes and turning the ball over, Palmeiras dominated the injury plagued Fluminense.

    Palmeiras scored in the 58th minute when Cleiton Xavier lofted the ball over the heads of the defense and on to a cutting Deigo Souza, who then seized up the goal and blasted the ball into the Fluminense net.

    The home team dominated most of the game on both ends of the field. Maintaining most of the ball possession, they held onto their one-goal lead and never looked back.

    With 31 points, Palmeiras now lead the table. Should Atletico-MG win Thursday's match against Flamengo, they will tie Palmeiras for the lead thus far.

    Fluminense remain with 11 points and stand in a disappointing 19th place.