Chapecoense 1-2 Palmeiras – 30 and counting!

Without putting on a show, Palmeiras obtained in Chapecó a very important result, maintain pole position in the Brazilian Championship, safe distance to the runners-up, and increasing the streak of undefeated games in the Brasileirão to 30.

Chapecoense proved the most difficult opponent until now and had their aim been better, likely the result would have been a draw. As it happened, Dudu’s first goal in the competition and Marcos Rocha’s lovely half-volley guaranteed the three points.

Line-up
Weverton; Marcos Rocha, Luan, Gustavo Gómez, Diogo Barbosa; Felipe Melo, Bruno Henrique and Lucas Lima (Moisés); Zé Rafael (Hyoran), Dudu (Scarpa) and Deyverson.

Antônio Carlos, Felipe Melo, Deyverson, Zé Rafael and Gustavo Gómez received yellow cards.

Green light
Felipão has built a very tough team and is increasingly aware of how and when to tweak it, obtaining the results while allowing for key players to rest. Game after game, Palmeiras are adding to the record. We supporters can and should do nothing but enjoy the marvelous feat.

Yellow light
Deyverson had a terrible game at Chapecó. Besides committing a very avoidable penalty that led to Chapecoense’s goal, the center-forward was practically null in attacking situations.

The marking was a bit off tonight, as was the team’s cool in the last 10-15 minutes of the game, allowing the pressure to increase as Chapecoense chased the equaliser.   

Red light
Red light is off for today.

See you soon, Gómez
The rock solid defender tomorrow pulls on the Paraguay National Team jersey and won’t be at Scolari’s disposal for the two final games of the Brazilian championship pre Copa América. Gustavo Gomez’s contract ends in June and everything points toward Palmeiras acquiring the 26-year-old’s federative rights in full from Milan.

Next challenge
Athletico Paranaense, at the Allianz Parque, on Saturday 8 June, for the Brazilian Championship. Felipão will have a full week of rest and training – enough to prepare the team for the last two rounds before the break. Athlético Paranaense have a midweek game (Brazil Cup) that should give Palmeiras a bit of physical advantage.

Scoppia che la vittoria è nostra!

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by Augusto Anteghini Oazi & Kristian Bengtson