It’s comforting to see Palmeiras deliver after some turbulent weeks. Playing at home against a weak opponent, bagging the three points and approach leaders Flamengo was the only acceptable result. Fortunately, our attacking players corresponded and the victory came with relative ease.
Line-up
Fernando Prass; Marcos Rocha, Luan, Vitor Hugo and Diogo Barbosa; Felipe Melo, Bruno Henrique (Thiago Santos), Scarpa (Raphael Veiga); Willian, Dudu and Luiz Adriano (Borja).
Green light
Mano Menezes could not ask for a better debut at the Allianz Parque. Despite the fragility of the opponent, Palmeiras created many opportunities, something not seen in the last games under Felipão. Luiz Adriano took full advantage of this collective productivity to score three goals – the fourth hat-trick in his career, all previous with Shakhtar – leaving the pitch to a standing ovation from the 27K palmeirenses present.
Yellow light
Palmeiras finally produced a clean sheet after eight consecutive games conceding. Still, the defensive line did not look all that solid and Palmeiras could very well have suffered the equaliser toward the end of the first half. Mano has only had five days with the squad, but it’s safe to assume he will pay much attention to the defensive aspects in the days and weeks to come.
Red light
Red light off for today.
Hat-trick
Barrios was the last player to score a hat-trick for Palmeiras in a Brazilian Championship. The year was 2015 and the victim, the same Fluminense. Luiz Adriano starting to show his calibre.
Next challenge
Up next, another “must-win” against a team facing the threat of relegation. On Saturday 14th, Palmeiras welcome Mano Menezes’ former club Cruzeiro at the Allianz Parque. Our opponent is in the middle of a major crisis on and off the pitch, with managers under criminal investigation and recently arrived coach Rogério Ceni and players publicly having a go at each other. As the round features leaders Flamengo vs runners-up Santos, Palmeiras have a golden opportunity to reduce the gap even further.
Scoppia che la vittoria è nostra!
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by Augusto Anteghini Oazi & Kristian Bengtson
ANYTHING PALMEIRAS 