Featuring a rather different starting-eleven, Palmeiras trashed Goiás with superb performances of Dudu and Gabriel Veron, each of them scoring twice. Zé Rafael was responsible for the opener and even Lucas Lima performed very well.
Line-up
Weverton; Marcos Rocha, Luan, Edu Dracena and Diogo Barbosa; Matheus Fernandes, Bruno Henrique, Raphael Veiga (Jean) and Zé Rafael (Gabriel Veron); Lucas Lima (Ramires) and Dudu.
Green light
Gabriel Veron could not give more arguments to supporters who keep asking for more youth players on the professional team. The wonderkid left the bench in the 58th minute and scored twice, besides brilliantly assisting Dudu’s second goal.
Yellow light
Had the players performed with the same intensity under Mano Menezes in the last few matches, we would not have such a crisis installed. Dudu was accurate in the post-game interview when answered that Felipão, Mano and Mattos were not the only culprits for the poor year and that the players also had their share of responsibility.
Red light
The champions are already Flamengo, but the referee bias against Palmeiras never ends. Yesterday, Goiás equaliser came through a penalty where the foul was clearly committed outside the box. Why the VAR did not call the referee for revision? That’s what we keep asking.
Edu Dracena
The defender, who announced his retirement on Wednesday, was the team captain yesterday. Coincidentally, the Brinco de Ouro Stadium is the home of Guarani, the team where Edu started his career.
Next challenge
Palmeiras visit Cruzeiro for the final round of the Brazilian Championship still fighting with Santos for the runners-up position. Cruzeiro need to win to have a chance of escaping from relegation. The whole Brazil supports Palmeiras, as Cruzeiro is one of the few teams that have not played the second division, yet.
Scoppia che la vittoria è nostra!
– – – ooo – – –
by Augusto Anteghini Oazi
ANYTHING PALMEIRAS 