Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira gracious in defeat as Flamengo lift Copa Libertadores: “It’s important to say they were better” | OneFootball

Palmeiras 0-1 Flamengo

Abel Ferreira was denied his third Copa Libertadores title at the helm of Palmeiras, as rivals Flamengo lifted the trophy with a 1-0 victory in Peru’s capital Lima.

The Brazilian giants squared off in a repeat of the 2021 final, which Abel’s side won 2-1 in Montevideo to make it back-to-back South American crowns for the Sao Paulo side. This time, however, Palmeiras were second-best to a more experienced Flamengo side, who are also on-course to lift the Brazilian league title.

The winning goal came midway through the second half, with former Porto defender Danilo rising to head home a corner. Palmeiras struggled to rally much in the final quarter, although a fantastic opportunity presented itself to record signing Vitor Roque late on, but the striker blazed over from a good position inside the box.

"Despite having a young team, we lacked a bit more courage and boldness,” Abel reflected after the match. “The opponent's style of play is no surprise. They break up the team - five to build up play and five to attack. Alex Sandro, Danilo and Léo, with Pulgar and Jorginho. They had five and we had four, we tried to jump with López and then equalize with Andreas, but I think more than giving justifications, it's important to say that our opponent was better.

“They were more experienced, more seasoned and knew how to handle this moment of pressure. Despite the game being decided by a detail, we had a clear and great opportunity at the end with [Vitor] Roque. And there was a very dubious play at the beginning of the game. But, anyway, we move on. Flamengo was better, and that's all there is to it.

"One team is mature, and the other has a present and a bright future. Our opponent was better; life isn't just about victories, and it's at this moment that we have to be resilient. Since I've been here, we've come three times and won twice. We beat this opponent once, reached a semi-final, and a quarter-final once. We'll try to get there again next year. That's all I can say.”

Flamengo are almost certain to secure a continental and domestic double. The Rio de Janeiro club lead the table by five points from Palmeiras, with just two matches left to play. Should Mengão secure success domestically, it would repeat the Brasileirão and Cope Libertadores double achieved by Jorge Jesus at the club in 2019.