RIO DE JANEIRO, March 2 (Reuters) - Controversial Chilean Jorge Valdivia scored the only goal to give Palmeiras a 1-0 win over arch-rivals Corinthians in their derby on Sunday.

Valdivia, accused of showboating and play-acting by Corinthians after a game last season, struck in the 74th minute of the Paulista championship game.

The flamboyant midfielder, suspended by his national team for indiscipline at the Copa America last year, was first to the ball after Corinthians goalkeeper Julio Cesar parried Kleber’s shot and fired into the roof of the net.

‘Last week, Corinthians said I cried a lot. Now, I’m crying with happiness,’ he said.

Sao Paulo striker Adriano, fined 40 percent of a month’s wages for leaving a training session early on Friday, made a negligible contribution in his side’s 2-1 win at Mirassol.

The powerhouse striker, who is on loan from Inter Milan and trying to put his faltering career back on the rails, barely touched the ball but coach Muricy Ramalho declined to discuss the situation.

‘It’s in the past. It’s an administrative matter for the board to deal with and I’m the coach.’

Jorge Wagner and Adriano’s striking partner Borges scored the goals either side of halftime.

Sao Paulo are fourth in the competition, the largest of the state tournaments which kick off the Brazilian season, with 23 points from 12 games. The top four teams in the 20-team table qualify for the semi-finals. Corinthians are sixth and Palmeiras seventh.

Santos, under former Brazil coach Emerson Leao, dropped to 13th after losing 1-0 to Sertaozinho.

In Rio de Janeiro, former Brazil striker Edmundo, known as the Animal at the height of his volatile career, converted an early penalty to set Vasco da Gama on their way to a 4-0 win over Boavista.