Palmeiras have developed a trait in recent away games: play awfully, concede the opener, shift gears as if “now there’s something to fight for”. Against Inter, Santos and yesterday against Athletico Paranaense, the same story.
A draw at the Arena da Baixada would be considered a decent result under normal circumstances, but when the gap to Flamengo increases to a full ten points with 11 rounds to go, “normal” goes out the window. Mathematically, there’s still a chance. Mathematically.
Palmeiras sustain their best campaign in the Brasileirão to date, but are shadowed by Flamengo’s extraordinary feat – a mix of skill, determination, Jesus and an only partially invisible helping hand. Palmeiras’ situation – aggravated by the high investments made this season – throws many a supporter into a fit. The frustration for not bagging a title makes unlikely victims, like yesterday, when Bruno Henrique’s wife suffered both verbal and physical aggression from Palmeiras ultras shortly after the game. Utterly despicable, moronic behaviour from people who should be banned from football, in addition to, naturally, held responsible for their actions in court.
Line-up
Weverton; Jean (Luan), Gustavo Gómez, Vitor Hugo and Diogo Barbosa; Felipe Melo, Bruno Henrique and Zé Rafael (Lucas Lima); Willian (Raphael Veiga), Dudu and Deyverson.
Gustavo Gómez and Bruno Henrique received yellow cards.
Green light
Our centre-backs played very well, denying the quick and skilled Athletico forwards most scoring opportunities.
Yellow light
Deyverson played well and scored the equaliser; instead of seizing the moment to gather some sympathy and support, he celebrated in an awkward manner, rubbing supporters the wrong way even more.
Red light
The VAR continues inconsistent. Yesterday, Gustavo Gómez suffered a very strong foul, subject to revision due to a potential straight red card, but there was no punishment, much less a revision. Gómez, showing the referee his badly bruised ankle while expressing his frustration, was awarded the yellow. Gómez thus misses the next game. Terrific.
Next challenge
Another away game, this time against Avaí in Santa Catarina, on Sunday. Anything but three points against the second worst defence and worst attack of the championship would be a disgrace.
Scoppia che la vittoria è nostra!
– – – ooo – – –
by Augusto Anteghini Oazi & Kristian Bengtson
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* featured image credits: Cesar Greco / Ag. Palmeiras
ANYTHING PALMEIRAS 