The two full weeks of rest and training did well for Palmeiras. The team performed better tactically, technically and physically against Melgar and the classification to the next stage of the Libertadores Cup was secured.
Felipão opted for Weverton; Mayke, Luan, Gustavo Gómez and Victor Luis; Felipe Melo, Bruno Henrique (Moisés) and Zé Rafael (Hyoran); Dudu (Lucas Lima), Scarpa and Deyverson. Ricardo Goulart stayed in São Paulo to improve his physical condition.
Palmeiras’ plan came under peril in the first minute, but Weverton saved the single opportunity Melgar created in the whole game. Ten minutes later, Palmeiras opened the score: Dudu took the corner short to Gustavo Scarpa, who crossed the ball to Gustavo Gómez’s unforgiving header.
Everything went smoothly for the remainder of the eventing, Palmeiras tearing Melgar’s defensive line apart and creating plenty of opportunities to score. Scarpa, twice, and Moisés seized some of them to give final numbers to the game.
In the other game of the group, San Lorenzo was defeated by Junior Barranquilla, allowing Palmeiras to assume top position with 12 points in five games.
The last game of the group stage is against runners-up San Lorenzo, at the Allianz Parque, on 8 May. With both teams already classified, what’s at stake is pole position and an better campaign, which in turn gives the advantage of playing the second game of the knockout phase at home.
Scoppia che la vittoria è nostra!
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by Augusto Anteghini Oazi
ANYTHING PALMEIRAS 