Palmeiras’ debut in the 2020 edition of the Libertadores Cup mirrored the opening game of the two previous years, when the team finished the group stage with the best overall campaign: a solid, away victory with a clean sheet. The scorers this time were Luiz Adriano (Palmeiras’ goal no. 1.000 in international competitions) and Willian.
Line-up
Weverton; Gabriel Menino, Gustavo Gómez, Felipe Melo and Matias Viña; Bruno Henrique, Ramires (Luan), Dudu and Rony; Willian (Zé Rafael) and Luiz Adriano (Gabriel Verón).
Gabriel Menino received a yellow card.
Green light
Playing his first game as a starter, Rony performed well, with an attitude resembling that of Dudu: sharp and skillful, always pushing towards the goal. The assist for the second goal was his and he almost scored his first goal wearing green and white, but missed the target. He was also responsible for the red card dealt to Acuña.
Yellow light
Repetition of mistakes we saw against Santos: an empty space in midfield, wrong decisions leading to missed scoring opportunities and somewhat sloppy defending at times, forcing Weverton into action. By the way, tonight marked Weverton’s 100th game in our jersey.
Red light
Red light off for tonight.
Gabriel Veron
The wonder kid, but 17 years and 6 months old, substituted Luiz Adriano in the second half and became the youngest athlete to play a Libertadores match for Palmeiras.
Headstart
This is Palmeiras’ 20th Libertadores Cup. In the last 14 editions with the club’s participation, ever since 1979, Palmeiras have not suffered defeat in the opening game: eleven victories and three draws, and counting.
On Saturday Palmeiras take on Ferroviária in the Paulistão, before returning attention to the Libertadores home game against Guaraní next week Tuesday.
Scoppia che la vittoria è nostra!
– – – ooo – – –
by Augusto Anteghini Oazi & Kristian Bengtson
ANYTHING PALMEIRAS 