Sosa hails Abel backing after debut Libertadores goal, eyes start | OneFootball

Ramón Sosa came off the bench to score the equalizer for Palmeiras in their Libertadores opener against Junior Barranquilla-COL. The forward highlighted the support he has received from coach Abel Ferreira and is now aiming for another chance in the starting lineup after standing out in the match played at Estádio Olímpico Jaime Morón León, in Cartagena (COL).

Sosa was brought on at halftime, replacing Mauricio right at the start of the second half. Wearing the No. 19 shirt, he took advantage of Flaco López’s flick-on, went one-on-one with the goalkeeper, and leveled the score after Verdão had fallen behind in the first half.

“I was ready, eager. I was able to come on in the second half and, thank God, I was able to score the goal. When the team needs you, you have to be ready. I got the chance and was able to help the team,” he told ESPN.

“Looking at Palmeiras’ squad, I think we have a lot of top-class players. So I’ve been working, I’m waiting for the opportunity, and I always try to make the most of it. The coach has a lot of confidence in me and in my teammates. When I get the chance to come on, I have to do my part and help the team,” he continued.

Sosa ends drought and eyes starting spot

The Paraguayan had not scored since February 21, when he found the net in the quarterfinals of the Paulista Championship. Sosa came off the bench in the last three matches. With Jhon Arias suspended for Sunday’s derby, the No. 19 could get another chance in the starting XI.

The last time Sosa started a match for Palmeiras was on March 12, in the 2-1 loss to Vasco in the Brasileirão. With his Libertadores goal, he reached his third goal of the season in 20 matches.

“Sosa came into the game very well. He is a player whose movements are different from Mauricio’s, who is a player more inclined to link up play, and we often leave that supporting-the-depth role to López. But because of Mauricio’s workload, national team duty, games one after another, I think Ramón (Sosa) came on very well, scored, and created chances for his teammates. It’s a pity that, I think, we were missing that final detail and couldn’t get the goal,” Abel assessed.

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Palmeiras’ next match

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