Nosso Palestra
·13 August 2026
Abel Ferreira rates Palmeiras after Libertadores draw: ‘Great game’

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Yahoo sportsNosso Palestra
·13 August 2026

Palmeiras drew 1-1 with Cerro Porteño at Nubank Parque in the first leg of the CONMEBOL Libertadores round of 16. After taking the lead in the 82nd minute through Flaco López, Verdão conceded the equalizer in stoppage time, in the 92nd minute, after a mistake by goalkeeper Carlos Miguel.
Abel Ferreira held a press conference and assessed Palmeiras’ performance. The coach highlighted the number of chances the team created, lamented the lack of efficiency, and took responsibility for the goal conceded in the closing minutes. Abel also commented on Andreas Pereira’s red card, Carlos Miguel’s performance, Cerro’s defensive approach, and the fans’ support.
In my opinion, we played a terrific game. I’ll talk about a few chances. On the first one, they cleared it off the line. On the second, Roque shot at the goalkeeper and, on the rebound, López sent it wide. In the first half, we had Allan inside the box. In the second half, we had a cross from Allan and Arias missed it, an Arias shot off the post, and then the goal we scored. With all the holding the referee allowed, I think the sending-off was very harsh, if we think about what happened in the game, especially the challenge Roque suffered. But we lacked efficiency. And yes, on the last play of the game, apparently in a situation under control, our center-backs need to track the striker’s movement. Our goalkeeper knows what he needs to do and what he needs to improve.
Asked about the controversial moments in the match and Carlos Miguel’s performance, Abel said he had not seen the specific play involving the goalkeeper and defended an objective interpretation of the incidents.
I didn’t see the play. For me, things are black or white. If there was contact, it’s a penalty; if there wasn’t, it’s not a penalty. In Andreas’ incident, did anyone see any aggression? A punch to the face? And when he spends the whole game being held and pulls his hand away, he gets sent off?
Abel also commented on the difficulty imposed by Cerro Porteño, who adopted a very defensive approach at certain moments. For the coach, however, Palmeiras created enough chances to win.
It’s a problem for any team in the world. But it wasn’t for lack of chances, unlike the last game. There I had to accept it, and today we had them. Playing like this, they can come with six, seven, eleven, and we’ll win the game.
Regarding Palmeiras’ recent home results and the need to secure qualification away from home, Abel stressed that the team is still alive in the competitions and avoided making a definitive assessment before the tournaments are over.
Are you talking about the Brasileirão? Even stumbling at home, we’re stumbling less than the others. When we get to the end, we’ll see whether the points dropped at home will matter. I like to look at the standings at the end. But since I’ve been here, Palmeiras has not reached this stage in every competition. If you ask me about the Inter match, I accept all the criticism. Today, no. It’s a knockout tie where we’ve had difficulties at home and we’re strong away from home. It’s still open. And we’re alive in everything. Should we have conceded that last goal? No! The ultimate responsibility is mine.
Abel also spoke about the support from the stands and the importance of unity among the board, coaching staff, players, and fans, especially in difficult moments.
Look, to be honest, I have so much work that I haven’t read it, but the information gets to me. I have great affection for all the fans, and ‘We Are All One’ is exactly that. It’s the symbol I’ve worn on my chest since 2020. Since 2020, winning or losing, I, as coach, do one thing: serve Palmeiras in the best way I can. I know what football is like. I’m sorry that sometimes we fall short of expectations. I’m very happy when I see everyone rowing in the same direction. If the fans do their part like they did today, in the end they have every right to express themselves however they want. When we are all united, especially in difficult moments. The pillars: management, one; staff, two; players, three; and the fans, rowing together, four.
Palmeiras return to action in the continental competition next Wednesday (19) at 7 p.m. (Brasília time) in Paraguay. Verdão will decide a place in the quarterfinals against Cerro Porteño.
Before that, Alvivede take the field against Fluminense at the Maracanã in the Brazilian Championship, where they are the leaders. The match will be this Saturday (14).
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.







































