Why Palmeiras fought to field internationals vs Bragantino | OneFootball

Palmeiras thrashed Red Bull Bragantino on Wednesday night, winning 5 to 1 at Allianz Parque, in the 28th round of the Brazilian Championship. Coach Abel Ferreira had important returns on the bench after a round with a long list of absentees. The team made an effort to have four of the five called-up players available for the coach during the FIFA date.

Among them were Aníbal Moreno and Flaco López. The duo even made their debut for the Argentine national team on Tuesday night. The Argentinians thrashed Puerto Rico 6-0. The midfielder came on in the second half, while the forward started as a starter and left at the 16th minute of the final stage after providing an assist.

Facundo Torres and Emiliano Martínez had played on Monday for Uruguay in Malaysia. Despite the long journey, they had more time between games. The only one who did not return in time was defender Gustavo Gómez, who played for Paraguay in the defeat to South Korea in Seoul.

What motivated Palmeiras' effort for returns?

Due to the short time interval between the national team games and Palmeiras' match and the long travel periods, there was an expectation that Verdão would not have the called-up group for the match against Bragantino. However, Palmeiras made a task force, and president Leila Pereira chartered a plane for the return of the Argentine duo, who were on the field the day before Palmeiras' game.

“Our club and the president make a great effort so that nothing is lacking for the coach. Leila does everything she can to bring the players. Last time, we also brought them. She helps us a lot in this aspect. Another fundamental thing is that when we talk to the players and see the desire they have to belong, to be, and to be part of this group. When you feel that, there is no fatigue, no travel, nothing. Not only those who started but those who came on had a spectacular commitment and behavior,” justified Abel Ferreira.

Of those who returned, Abel brought Emiliano Martínez, Aníbal Moreno, and Flaco López off the bench. The latter came on in the second half and shone alongside Vitor Roque, scoring Palmeiras' fourth goal in the 5-1 victory over Red Bull Bragantino.

More rested, the selected players now participate normally in Palmeiras' training sessions to face Flamengo in the Brasileirão.

Situation in the Brazilian Championship

With the victory over Red Bull Bragantino, Palmeiras maintained the isolated leadership of the Brazilian Championship, with 61 points. Thus, they remain three points ahead of Flamengo, who defeated Botafogo 3-0. In the next round, Verdão faces the Rubro-Negro, aiming to stay isolated at the top.

Next Palmeiras match

Flamengo vs. Palmeiras Date: October 19, 2025 (Sunday) Time: 4 PM (Brasília time) Location: Maracanã, in Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.