Playing with no real pressure or expectations, against a team threatened by relegation, Palmeiras put out yet another good performance, renewing supporter’s expectations for a better 2020.
As against Goiás, Zé Rafael scored the opener. Dudu closed it with a flying header, for the first time in history sending Cruzeiro to the second division. As one would say in Brazil: CHUPA!
Line-up
Weverton; Marcos Rocha (Mayke), Luan, Antônio Carlos and Diogo Barbosa; Matheus Fernandes, Bruno Henrique, Raphael Veiga (Willian) and Zé Rafael (Veron); Lucas Lima and Dudu.
Green light
Dudu finishes 2019 showing he still has much to deliver. The Little Giant was our best player in the championship and today received, alongside Flamengo’s Bruno Henrique, the Silver Ball for best forward – his fourth in a row.
Yellow light
Palmeiras finished the championship on 74 points but only in third, behind Flamengo (90) and Santos (also 74, but with one more victory). Now, to be fair, 74 points is the most achieved by any runners-up ever. The competition has hardened, and also become more polarised.
Red light
After Palmeiras’ second goal, chaos erupted in the stands, with chairs flying and police moving in with gas and rubber bullets while children fled in panic: the scenes imagined when a decision was taken to allow only Cruzeiro supporters at the game. Once more it is proven that the problems go way beyond restricting access of this or that team’s supporters. Authorities irresponsibly seek the quick fix, over and over again
Next commitment
That’s it, folks. 2019 has has come to an end, a year marked by high expectations and frustrations. In a few day’s time Palmeiras are to announce the signing of Alexandre Mattos’ replacement, the current director of football at Bahia, Diego Cerri. Expectations are also high for a positive conclusion of negotiations with Sampaoli as head coach. We’ll keep you posted, as well as, in the near future, provide you with a concluding post on 2019 as a whole.
Scoppia che la vittoria è nostra!
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by Augusto Anteghini Oazi & Kristian Bengtson
ANYTHING PALMEIRAS 