Albeit perhaps not the expected outcome, the draw ended up being a good result, especially when taking into consideration Palmeiras’ recent streak of games and the performance in the first half, where the Verdão trailed 2-0 before bouncing back.
Things could have gone sour hadn’t Weverton saved a penalty right after Palmeiras’ first goal, signed Felipe Melo. Borja scored the second, keeping Palmeiras very much alive in the competition.
Line-up
Weverton; Marcos Rocha, Luan, Gustavo Gómez and Diogo Barbosa; Felipe Melo, Bruno Henrique and Raphael Veiga; Willian (Hyoran), Dudu and Borja (Deyverson).
Luan received a yellow card.
Green light
Felipe Melo scored the goal that put Palmeiras back on track and was flawless in the second half, both technically and mentally. Weverton continues solid and saved the penalty that could have declared Palmeiras’ exit from the tournament. Borja was finally given an opportunity and returned the favour with a beautiful goal.
Yellow light
The defensive continues to fail: yesterday marked the 4th consecutive game that we went to halftime behind on the scorecard and for the first time this season, conceded twice before halftime. Scolari needs to address the issue urgently.
Red light
The first five minutes against Godoy were absolutely terrible, probably the worst Palmeiras have played since Felipão’s arrival last year. Our players were unable to keep ball possession and Godoy had at least three good opportunities to score the opener, slotting home on the fourth. What a meltdown!
Borja
Borja has a special taste for the Libertadores Cup. Yesterday, he returned to the starting eleven, having not even been on the bench as of late, to score a beautiful, classic centre-forward, important goal. It was his 10th goal in the tournament as a Palmeiras player, which makes him our third greatest striker in Libertadores Cup history, behind Alex (12) and Tupãzinho (11).
Next challenge
Vasco, at home, on Saturday 27 July, for the Brazilian Championship. After four consecutive games playing away, Palmeiras return to the Allianz Parque with the mission to remain in pole position in the national tournament and create momentum ahead of the decisive Libertadores return game on Tuesday 30 July.
Scoppia che la vittoria è nostra!
– – – ooo – – –
by Augusto Anteghini Oazi & Kristian Bengtson
ANYTHING PALMEIRAS 