Palmeiras even won, but were far from convincing and enchanting their fans on Friday night (15). In a game valid for the 23rd round of the Brazilian Championship, Verdão beat Goiás 1-0, with a goal from Breno Lopes in stoppage time. Despite the triumph, coach Abel Ferreira was not spared by the Alviverdes, who were highly critical of the Portuguese coach’s choices and “stubbornness”.
From start to finish, Palmeiras performed below expectations. Abel Ferreira’s team controlled the offensive actions, but did little to scare goalkeeper Tadeu. In the final stretch of the second half, Raphael Guzzo was sent off and left Goiás at a numerical disadvantage on the field. Even so, the home team found it difficult to break through the visitors’ defensive blockade. Only in the 51st minute did Verdão disenchant. In a fight in the emerald area, Breno Lopes finished in Tadeu’s corner and declared the triumph.
The indignation of Palmeiras residents began before the ball rolled. When the team’s lineup was announced, numerous Alviverde fans questioned the presence of Marcos Rocha and Mayke, both original right-backs. Furthermore, Abel’s choice of Flaco López instead of Endrick in command of the attack was also the subject of disagreement on social media. Check out some reactions:
It was just a matter of doing the simple thing. Kevin on the left, Artur on the right and Endrick on the 9. But he would rather keep his pet catfish than improve the team
— Lucas ⓟ (@lucassepb) September 16, 2023
Boy, the Pardal catadão is mediocre hahaha the catfish after 500 days off came back like this, I was sure this was going to happen. How embarrassing.
— Mateus Oquendo 41/45#SEPVIVE (@mateusoquendo) September 16, 2023
Abel Ferreira does a TERRIBLE job in 2023, but the fans don’t seem to be interested in this conversation.
Flaco in midfield, Mayke on the wing, Artur on the left where he DOESN’T PRODUCE ANYTHING.
The guy makes EVERYTHING wrong!
— Fabian (@Fabiank2XXX) September 16, 2023
Here for us… With all due respect to Abel… But it’s not cool, Arthur on the left doesn’t exist on the field… Since it’s for testing, why not test Endrick instead of Dudu and do the simple thing!?
— TGO SEP1914 (@tgosep1914) September 16, 2023
Palmeiras’ situation in the Brasileirão
Palmeiras is having a solid campaign in the Brazilian Championship. However, the outstanding performance of leader Botafogo has made it impossible for Alviverde to reach the top of the leaderboard. With 42 points won, Abel Ferreira’s team occupies second place in the competition.
In 23 rounds played, Palmeiras recorded 12 wins, nine draws and three defeats, with 38 goals scored and 17 conceded so far. It is worth noting that the Alviverde team will still face Botafogo in this return. The match, valid for the 31st round, is scheduled for November 1st.
Who will Palmeiras face in the Libertadores semi-final?
In addition to the Brasileirão, Palmeiras remains alive in the fight for the Copa Libertadores title. After defeating the modest Deportivo Pereira, Alviverde secured a place in the semi-finals of the continental tournament and will now face Boca Juniors.
Having had a better campaign in the group stage, Alviverde will decide the clash against the Argentines at Allianz Parque. The first match will take place next Thursday (28), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), in La Bombonera.
Palmeiras’ next games
- Grêmio x Palmeiras – Brazilian Championship – Arena do Grêmio – Thursday (21/9), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time);
- Boca Juniors x Palmeiras – Copa Libertadores (semi-final – first leg) – La Bombonera – Thursday (28/9), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time);
- Red Bull Bragantino x Palmeiras – Brazilian Championship – Nabi Abi Chedid – Sunday (01/10), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time)
