Abel managed to spare some of the regular starters, give a few minutes to players that are regaining their best shape and line up a strong starting eleven, all in the same game.
In the first half, Palmeiras almost opened the scorecard in the first minute, with a crossed ball by Dudu that deflected off a defender and almost lobbed over the goalkeeper, but that was the best chance in the first 25 minutes.
Although Palmeiras had the control of the game, Atlético Goianiense was defending well and the goalkeeper Fernando Miguel wasn’t much threatened. The struggle to create opportunities remained in the second half, but in the 59th minute, Wesley dribbled past an opponent and crossed to Willian, who couldn’t reach the ball, but ended up pressuring the defender, who scored an own goal.
The game went on until the final minutes without much happening, but after the 90th minute, with Atlético Goianiense going all-in, Palmeiras found the spaces needed for a couple of mortal counter attacks. In the 92nd minute, Breno Lopes crossed for Scarpa to head it home, increasing the lead and practically putting final numbers to the game. But there was time for more. In the 96th minute, Deyverson was face-to-face with the goalkeeper, but preferred to assist Breno Lopes, who just had the task of pushing the ball to an open goal.
With the defeat of Athletico Paranaense and the draw of Red Bull Bragantino, the new runners-up are Atlético Mineiro with 25 points, a real threat to our 11th title. The other strong contender, Flamengo, also had a good performance (5-0 away vs Bahia) and went to 18 points, however, they still have two matches to be played. Although, there is only one team in the pole position and it is Palmeiras, with our best performance ever after 12 games in the Brasileirão under the current format (28 points).
Line-up
Weverton; Mayke, Felipe Melo, Gustavo Gómez and Renan; Patrick de Paula (Danilo), Zé Rafael and Raphael Veiga (Scarpa); Dudu (Breno Lopes), Wesley (Viña) and Willian (Deyverson).
Wesley and Abel Ferreira received yellow cards.
Green Light
Another clean sheet – the third in the last four games in the Brasileirão – came after a solid exhibition of our defense, even with some of the regular starters spared. In the attack, Palmeiras was more efficient than in previous games and seize the few opportunities that were created to build a large advantage.
Yellow Light
The last two goals came just after the 90th minute. Although the scorecard indicates an easy game, Atlético Goianiense was a tough nut to crack and the VAR was keen to make an appearance. The referee kept waiting for the VAR after various plays where there was nothing to review, as if looking for any chance to award a possible penalty against Palmeiras.
Red Light
After six consecutive victories in the Brasileirão – the third best run under the current format – the red light remains off for today.
Next Challenge
Palmeiras have the last midweek game before at least three weeks playing only on weekends. On Wednesday 21st, Palmeiras receive Universidad Católica at the Allianz Parque for the return leg of the round-of-16 of the Libertadores. The advantage is ours, as the team managed 1-0 away in the first leg, but attention must be at the highest level possible to avoid a Copa Brasil disaster replay.
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 