Abel Ferreira fielded a line-up with some changes when compared to previous games. One of these changes, Émerson Santos as a defender, was responsible for the bizarre mistake that led to América’s opener in the 20th minute, when the initial momentum of the opponent had already cooled down.
With few opportunities being created, Palmeiras’ equalizer came in the last minute of the first half, when a long throw of Marcos Rocha met the head of Gustavo Gómez. The goal allowed Palmeiras to press América in the second half, creating some opportunities, but unable to score the winner.
In the other semifinal, Grêmio beat São Paulo 1-0 in Porto Alegre.
Line-up
Weverton; Marcos Rocha, Emerson Santos, Gustavo Gómez and Scarpa (Viña); Gabriel Menino, Zé Rafael (Danilo) and Raphael Veiga (Lucas Lima); Rony, Veron (Gabriel Silva) and Willian (Luiz Adriano).
Lucas Lima and Danilo received yellow cards.
Green Light
Palmeiras played better in the second half and had enough volume to score the second goal, securing the advantage for the second leg. Rony and Luiz Adriano missed the best opportunities to guarantee the victory, but the team showed the intensity needed for guaranteeing a place in the final.
Yellow Light
The first half saw Palmeiras struggling to create opportunities against América. Although playing at home the second leg, the opponent will probably employ the same strategy, with every man behind the ball and betting on the speed of Ademir on the counter-attacks.
Red Light
The goal offered to América is unexplainable. What on Earth was Émerson Santos thinking of when he tried that pass?
Next Challenge
Palmeiras’ last game for the Brazilian League in 2020 is against Red Bull Bragantino, on Sunday 27th. The defeat to Internacional lowered expectations for a title, but the tournament is still important to guarantee a spot in the group stage of the next Libertadores Cup. Playing at home against an opponent that is fighting against relegation is a nice opportunity to get a comfortable victory regaining the confidence for the second leg of the semifinals of the Brazil Cup.
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 