A good second half was not enough to fully compensate for the terrible first half, and Palmeiras left Salvador with the one point. The goal suffered in the first half was a joke, Deyverson showing he’s just as useless in defence as up front. Thankfully, Borja came in for the final 45 minutes and seized one of the many opportunities Palmeiras created to score the equaliser.
Meanwhile, Flamengo beat Grêmio away by the odd goal. The 13 points gap to leaders Flamengo, with five rounds to go, is unbridgeable. The main objective in the final rounds is to maintain the runners-up position, and do some test with the youngsters, who are craving for attention. Palmeiras forward Gabriel Veron was tonight awarded the Golden Ball at the U17 World Cup, as Brazil beat Mexico 2-1 to bag the title. Another three Palmeiras players were also crowned champions of the world: centre-defender and team captain Henri (played all seven games), right-back Garcia (six games, two as starter) and defender Renan (one game).
Line-up
Weverton; Marcos Rocha, Luan, Vitor Hugo and Diogo Barbosa; Thiago Santos, Bruno Henrique and Scarpa (Lucas Lima); Zé Rafael (Willian), Dudu and Deyverson (Borja).
Green light
If it were possible, one could imagine that there were more than one Thiago Santos playing at the Fonte Nova Stadium. The midfielder was tireless, disarming many of the promising situations created by the opponent.
Yellow light
Palmeiras have the third best attack of the championship, with 52 goals scored, but the team still wastes too many opportunities. Today, both Bruno Henrique and Willian had golden opportunities to score the winner, both missing the target.
Red light
Supporters still nourished a small hope the team could win all remaining matches to end the year in a positive way. But the reality is quite different, and Palmeiras only left with one point due to Weverton’s extraordinary work between the posts. Such a strong squad, but not quite the mesh expected.
Next challenge
Another full week of rest and training before next Sunday’s clash with Grêmio at the Allianz Parque. Anything but a victory, and Flamengo mathematically secure the title.
Scoppia che la vittoria è nostra!
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by Augusto Anteghini Oazi & Kristian Bengtson
ANYTHING PALMEIRAS 