Ahead of today’s game against Flamengo, the key question was whether the squad would have soaked up the disappointments of recent weeks and bounce back. The answer is yes. With an alternative line-up sporting Luan alongside Edu Dracena in defence, Felipe Melo protecting the duo, Michel Bastos on the left flank and Deyverson up front, Palmeiras controlled the action from start to finish, showing much consistency in defence while maintaining offensive power. The thirty thousand spectators at the Allianz Parque joined forces, understanding the moment and responding to the call made by coach Valentim and the wholes squad present at last Friday’s press conference: stand by us. Not the same can be said for parts of the organised supporters, who ahead of the game protested in front of the training facilities and threw food items against the bus carrying players and staff en route to the stadium, breaking a window and putting people’s safety at risk.
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Now, with some kind of normality restored, Palmeiras are in decent shape to end the season among the top four and, consequently, a spot in next year’s Libertadores Cup. With four rounds to go, the gap to the closest contender is six points. Palmeiras’ sequence is composed of Sport on Thursday at the Allianz Parque, then Avaí away, then Botafogo at home before rounding things off against Atlético Paranaense away. Two victories out of four, and the target has been reached.
Scoppia che la vittoria è nostra!
ANYTHING PALMEIRAS 