A direct confrontation between the leaders will take place in the 29th round, in a week; with the victory, the team from São Paulo reaches 58 points
O demonstrated his strength and ran over the 4-1 in a delayed game of the 12th round of the held this Saturday. With the victory, the São Paulo team opens up a three-point lead over the (58 against 55), both with 26 games played. The direct confrontation between the leaders will take place in the 29th round, in a week.
Even with ten absences, Palmeiras showed no signs of weakness. Abel Ferreira surprised by choosing Bruno Fuchs in a hybrid role of defender and midfielder, and assembled a talented midfield with Andreas Pereira, Felipe Anderson, Raphael Veiga and Maurício. The brilliance of Bruno Rodrigues, who found goal again after two years marred by injuries, was also one of the highlights. Palmeiras, even though they were “missing” players, remained on the field.
The team returns to the field next Wednesday, after the FIFA Date, to face Red Bull Bragantino again at Allianz Parque, in the 28th round. Juventude, in turn, visits Fluminense at Maracanã, in Rio. From the beginning, Palmeiras imposed an offensive intensity, even with the formation of three defenders, which guaranteed defensive tranquility and allowed the talented midfield to put pressure on the opponent. Pressure from Palmeiras almost resulted in a penalty in the 12th minute, when Felipe Anderson fell in the area, but the call was annulled after a VAR review.
This did not shake the alviverde team, which maintained the pace. Juventude tried some attacks, but without creating any real danger. Palmeiras’ insistence was rewarded when Felipe Anderson shot, the ball deflected and Raphael Veiga dominated to open the score. At the end of the first half, Felipe Anderson reversed the play to Murilo, who supported him. Bruno Rodrigues headed the ball, and even with Jandrei’s attempted save, the goalkeeper sent the ball into his own goal, increasing the advantage.
The offensive rhythm was maintained in the second half. Palmeiras stole the ball in midfield and mounted a devastating counterattack. Raphael Veiga linked up with Bruno Rodrigues and crossed for Bruno Fuchs to head in, scoring his first goal with the alviverde shirt and scoring Palmeiras’ third. The defender’s presence in the area illustrates the team’s offensive vocation in the match. In another counterattack, Maurício crossed low to Felipe Anderson, who scored the fourth goal.
With just 23 points and in second place, Juventude seemed to have no chance, but showed determination. From a free kick by Nenê, Rodrigo Sam scored with a header. In the move, Weverton did poorly and threw a punch at Sam, who, despite falling, remained on the field. With the score calm, Palmeiras was still able to provide the debut of young talents, who filled the bench due to absences. Erick Belé (18 years old) and Luis Pacheco (17) made their first professional appearances.
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
