Rio de Janeiro, Feb 24 - Palmeiras struggled to a 1-1 draw to Oeste in the ninth round of the Sao Paulo state football championship.

Oeste scored the game's opening goal in the 11th minute after Palmeiras defender Marcio Araujo tackled Mazinho to the ground in front of the goal, resulting in a penalty kick.

Mazinho successfully converted the shot, beating keeper Bruno with a thunderous shot in the lower left side of the goal.

Palmerias tied the match just before halftime. In the 41st minute, recent arrival Barcos drove a shot directly at keeper Ze Carlos. Oeste's goalie could not handle the ball cleanly, allowing the rebound to roll to Maikon Leite who did not waste the opportunity to score.

With solid defence from Oeste and a non-existent offensive game from Palmeiras, the game ended in a 1-1 draw, Xinhua reported.

The result Thursday drops Palmeiras down to second place with 21 points. Corinthians assumes first position on 23 points.(IANS)