Despite the decision of Luxemburgo to spare a few regulars due to the Libertadores Cup in three days, Palmeiras started the game pressing Sport high up in the field, with Lucas Lima full of attitude to organize the offensive situations. However, Sport found a penalty in their first down and opened the score in the 12th minute.
Already in the first half, Palmeiras found the equalizer, with Willian in the 29th minute, and the second goal, with Zé Rafael in a beautiful shot in the 41st minute. Things got even better with the red card for Sport’s Sander in the stoppage minute of the first half.
With Sport one man down, supporters expected a calm second half, in the same fashion as in the exhibition against Corinthians three days earlier. However, in the 59th minute, Zé Rafael received his second yellow card, the referee fooled by the Sport player who felt Zé Rafael’s hand on his chest and dropped to the ground, face in hands. Five minutes later, Sport scored the equalizer. Sport went all defense to secure the sole point and Palmeiras missed an opportunity to finish the round as runners-up just one point behind Inter and with a game less.
Line-up
Weverton; Mayke (Bruno Henrique), Luan, Vitor Hugo and Viña; Gabriel Menino (Marcos Rocha), Ramires (Danilo) and Zé Rafael; Lucas Lima (Gabriel Silva), Wesley (Veron) and Willian.
Ramires received a yellow card and Zé Rafael two yellow cards, sending him to the showers.
Green Light
Another game to Luxemburgo’s unbeaten sequence. Since the defeat in the first game after the break, Palmeiras havn’t lost anymore. In the Brazilian League, the team is the only one who hasn’t been beaten, with four victories and five draws in nine matches.
Yellow Light
The doubt we raised in our last text was confirmed: each time supporters grow expectations in regard to Palmeiras’ performance, the teams has let them down. In the second half, despite the unfair sending off of Zé Rafael, Willian had three good opportunities to score the winner, but missed the target each time.
Red Light
For the third consecutive game at the Allianz Parque, Palmeiras couldn’t outplay the visiting team. The performance at home accumulates one victory, at the Morumbi Stadium against Santos and three draws. Very poor if the goal is the title.
Next Challenge
Early this week Palmeiras travel to La Paz for the Libertadores Cup clash against Bolivar. With all due respect, the biggest opponent is not the opposing team, but the altitude: La Paz is situated more than 3.500 meter above the sea level.
Scoppia che la vittoria è nostra!
– – – ooo – – –
by Augusto Anteghini Oazi
*Here at Anything Palmeiras, we love football. We love Palmeiras. We are always keen to see Palmeiras play, and keen to write about it for you. But we’re against the return of football in a country that still hasn’t controlled the coronavirus pandemic. We express our deepest sympathy to the families whose loved ones have been taken by the disease.
ANYTHING PALMEIRAS 