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After the less than satisfying performance against Corinthians, and with Felipe Melo out due to the busted eyebrow contracted in that game, coach Baptista change the tactical formation against Ferroviária, abandoning the 4-1-4-1 for a 4-2-3-1. With Zé Roberto and Thiago Silva protecting the defenders, Egídio was promoted on the left flank. The full starting line-up consisted of Prass; Jean, Dracena, Vítor Hugo and Egídio; Thiago Santos and Zé Roberto; Dudu, Keno and Michel Bastos; Willian.
Ferroviária´s squad is of course less qualified than Corinthians’, but it was nevertheless possible to observe a clear improvement in Palmeiras’ transition from defence to attack. Palmeiras created numerous chances and could have settled the matter already in the first half, but went to halftime with the one goal, signed Keno.
The second half started a bit slow and supporters grew impatient, but that ceased as Michel Bastos increased the lead, nicely executing a set piece involving Jean. Not long after, Ferroviária converted a penalty. Again only one goal behind, the visitors launched an offensive that lasted for ten minutes, exercising certain pressure on Palmeiras. Baptista promoted the debut of Borja, officially presented that same morning, and Palmeiras’ new #12 needed little time to again increase the lead through a lethal counter-attack in partnership with Dudu, the crowds going wild. A few minutes before injury time, Roger Guedes closed the scorecard.
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All in all, a solid performance by Palmeiras. Seems like Baptista have found a way around the absence of Moisés and Tchê Tchê, the latter expected back within a couple of weeks, the former only in September/October. Palmeiras now have a few days dedicated for training, as next game, against Red Bull Brasil, only takes placed upcoming Friday. Another good performance, and confidence will reach new levels ahead of the Libertadores Cup debut against Argentinian Atlético Tucumán on 8 March.
Scoppia che la vittoria è nostra!
ANYTHING PALMEIRAS 