After securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the Libertadores Cup, Palmeiras is the only team still in the run for the three major titles this year (Brasileirão, Brazil Cup and Libertadores Cup), which testifies to Palmeiras’ strength and width. Naturally, this also poses challenges, as there is no spare time for training or resting. While Grêmio and Cruzeiro are alive in two tournaments (Grêmio in the Brasileirão and Libertadores; Cruzeiro in the two cups), São Paulo, Internacional and Flamengo – battling for the Brasileirão title alongside Palmeiras and Grêmio – in this sense enjoy a considerable advantage.
CONMEBOL yesterday drew the dates for the upcoming Libertadores quarterfinals As you can see, Palmeiras play Colo Colo away on 20 September, with the return game scheduled for 3 October.
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Certainly looking forward to this next Libertadores round is Thiago Santos. He was already giving Felipe Melo stiff competition for a spot in the starting eleven and with the latter’s suspension – which could be further aggravated should CONMEBOL choose to review the violent challenge which rendered him the red card against Cerro – Thiago has a golden opportunity to impress Scolari.
Apart from putting the whole Libertadores campaign at risk, Melo’s sending off against the Paraguayan side decisively contributed to breaking Weverton’s fantastic streak of nine games without conceding. The second best run in Palmeiras’ history ended in the 11th minute of the second half against Cerro. With that, Weverton kept a clean sheet for an impressive 867 minutes (not including injury time). WELL DONE!
The game against Cerro also marked Willian’s 100th game in the Palmeiras jersey. The forward, nicknamed “moustache”, is one of the more popular players in the squad and last week extended his contract for an additional two seasons, from December 2019 to December 2021. Also midfielder Moisés celebrated an extension of his contract, adding one more season to it, now also ending in December 2021.
Last but not least, Gustava Scarpa and Alejandro Guerra. Both have initiated their post-injury transitions, but there is no information on when expected to be at coach Felipão’s disposal.
Later tonight, Palmeiras face Chapecoense, away, in the 22nd round of the Brazilian championship. A victory in Chapecó and Palmeiras will be one point shy of overtaking Flamengo for third place.
Scoppia che la vittoria è nostra!
ANYTHING PALMEIRAS 